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Gavin McKenna

Gavin McKenna is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Whitehorse, Yukon.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gavin McKenna is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Whitehorse, Yukon. He was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after playing for Penn State in the 2025–26 season. McKenna is regarded as one of the top young prospects in hockey and his rise has drawn attention across Canada.

Early life

McKenna was born in Whitehorse, Yukon, in 2007. Sources also identify him as a member of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.

Junior and collegiate career

He starred with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Western Hockey League before moving to Penn State for the 2025–26 season. His move reflected recent NCAA eligibility changes affecting CHL players.

2026 NHL Draft

McKenna was widely projected as the top prospect and was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

International play

He has represented Canada at several events, including the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship, the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Key facts

  • Played for Penn State in the 2025–26 NCAA season.
  • Selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
  • Won the 2024–25 CHL Player of the Year award after leading the CHL in scoring.
  • Represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
  • Hails from Whitehorse, Yukon, and is associated with the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation.
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Canadian context

McKenna is a prominent Canadian hockey prospect from Whitehorse, Yukon, and his rise has drawn attention in the North and across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gavin McKenna?
Gavin McKenna is a Canadian ice hockey forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, who became the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
How old is Gavin McKenna?
He was born on December 20, 2007, which makes him 18 years old.
What team does Gavin McKenna play for?
He is listed as a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs after being selected first overall in 2026.
Is Gavin McKenna eligible for the NHL draft?
No longer. He was eligible and was drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
What are Gavin McKenna's stats?
In 2025–26 at Penn State, he recorded 51 points in 35 games, including 15 goals and 36 assists. Earlier that season, one source also notes 43 points in 28 games before later updates.

References

  1. NHL.com / Toronto Maple Leafs — https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-sign-forward-gavin-mckenna-to-entry-level-contract
    Supports: Draft position, team, 2025–26 Penn State stats, WHL totals, and international representation.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/2026-nhl-draft-diary-gavin-mckenna-december-5-2025
    Supports: Birthplace, age at the time of publication, draft projection, and Penn State/WHL scoring context.
  3. NCAA.com — https://www.ncaa.com/news/icehockey-men/article/2026-06-25/gavin-mckenna-goes-no-1-overall-2026-nhl-draft-sixth-ever-ncaa-top-pick
    Supports: Penn State records, freshman scoring achievements, and 2026 draft selection.
  4. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/longform/features/how-the-yukon-shaped-top-nhl-draft-prospect-gavin-mckenna
    Supports: Whitehorse/Yukon background and First Nation affiliation.
  5. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/576982/gavin-mckenna
    Supports: Date of birth, age, birthplace, position, height, weight, and shooting hand.