2026 NHL
Draft Guide

“The problems with his defence and physicality are real, but at the end of the day, he can do things with the puck that no other players can. I wouldn’t call him generational, but the hands are generational for sure. He’s still my #1 player in the draft.”

NHL scout, May 2026

“I think he's the best player in the draft. I think his playmaking ability is an elite special trait.”

NHL scout, May 2026

“[His vision is] rare. NHL elite. His vision, his passing is just exceptional, and I was obviously really taken aback by how good he was at the World Juniors and in the second half. I think there was a bit of a rush to criticize him early in the year.”

NHL scout, May 2026

“He’s gonna be first line, first power play, playmaking winger, or power play quarterback from the half wall. 80 to 100 points. He’s gonna need to play with someone that can score.”

NHL scout, May 2026

“For a little bit there, it got to the point where I thought whoever had the first pick is just going to draft based on need, but then, I think, as it’s played out, now it’s Gavin. Gavin’s going to go first. I don’t see how a market like Toronto could pass on him.”

NHL scout, May 2026

“If you can put him in a strong dressing room with a core that keeps guys honest, he’ll be a star. If left to his own devices, I think there's a real chance he’s not the player people think he is.”

NHL executive, April 2026

“Easy to see how quickly his brain processes the game at the college level. Extremely lethal on the PP and when given space to operate. His physical maturity will be the biggest obstacle, along with some questions regarding his motor.”

Eastern Conference scout, January 2026

“McKenna has been wildly unlucky in terms of his 5v5 scoring. Regressing everyone to the expected, he ought to be leading the nation in points-per-game. I think he’s going to be fine.”

NHL scout, December 2025

“I think a lot of people will regret what they have been saying and writing about Gavin. Look at the body of work, not just the most recent two months, which have also been nearly as bad as many think. Have Stenberg and Verhoeff closed the gap? 100%. But doubt Gavin at your own peril.”

NHL scout, November 2025