AnalysisGavin McKenna was the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Bruce Bennett / Getty ImagesJune 26, 2026 7:34 pm EDT Updated Follow our live coverage of the 2026 NHL DraftThe first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is here, and, as expected, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick.Follow along here as every pick is announced tonight to see scouting reports of every player and analysis of their selection. The pick grade reflects my thoughts on perceived value gained from the pick relative to the draft slot, plus any secondary variables a team may have had to deal with.1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State Univ. (NCAA)December 20, 2007 | 5′ 11″ | 170 poundsTier: Top of the lineup playerPlayer comparable: Artemi Panarin
Analysis: McKenna possesses off-the-charts puck skills, vision and overall offensive creativity. He’s a strong skater who can generate a ton of chances with pace. He’s a pass-first player who projects to run a power play at a high level due to his elite playmaking ability. He’s not overly physical and can be pushed to the outside too much, but despite his frustrating tendencies, coaches still tend to play him a ton at every level. He projects as a top-line winger who can run a PP1.Pick grade: A-Thoughts on the pick: Gavin McKenna is the most talented player in this year’s draft. He is the most skilled player. He is the one with considerably the best scoring track record over the course of his amateur career. He is a dynamic offensive player. The issues are going to come down to the compete level. I personally don’t view his compete level as a major issue. Does he get pushed to the perimeter a little bit? Yes. Is he going to be the most physical? Probably not. But this is a guy who, over the course of years, has shown up in big moments, who has been a leader on his team.Jun 26, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
