2026 NHL Draft Preview: Gavin McKenna Leads the Pack
As anticipation builds for the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft, Penn State forward Gavin McKenna has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the latest mock draft from The Athletic's Scott Wheeler. Set to take place this Friday, the draft is expected to see McKenna don the jersey of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he has been projected at the No. 1 overall pick in the latest rankings.
Wheeler's Top 10 Draft Picks
Wheeler's exclusive top ten picks reveal a strong alignment with earlier insights from Bleacher Report's Hannah Stuart, particularly among the top four selections. Here’s how the selections stack up:
- 1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, F, Penn State (NCAA)
- 2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, F, Frölunda (SHL)
- 3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, F, Brantford (OHL)
- 4. Chicago Blackhawks: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
- 5. New York Rangers: Alberts Šmits, D, Munich (DEL)
- 6. Calgary Flames: Carson Carels, D, Prince George (WHL)
- 7. Seattle Kraken: Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (NCAA)
- 8. Winnipeg Jets: Viggo Björck, F, Djurgårdens (SHL)
- 9. Ottawa Senators: Ethan Belchetz, F, Windsor (OHL)
- 10. Nashville Predators: Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert (WHL)
The top four is consistent between Wheeler and Stuart; however, their rankings diverge significantly further down the list. For instance, Wheeler has standout players like Belchetz and Rudolph in the ninth and tenth spots, respectively, while Stuart places them at sixteenth and eleventh.
Draft Strategy and Team Dynamics
The Ottawa Senators have been particularly active in shaping their draft strategy, especially following their trade of Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. In this major move, the Senators secured three first-round picks alongside a second-round pick, which includes the crucial No. 9 overall selection. Wheeler's mock suggests that the Senators are focused on finding a future replacement for Tkachuk in Belchetz, who stands out at 6'5" and provides a compelling option for their forward lineup.
In contrast, Stuart expects the Ottawa franchise to bolster their defense by targeting Šmits, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing their blue-line capabilities. These diverging paths highlight the varied approaches teams are taking as they prepare for the draft.
Highlighting the Top Contenders
At the forefront of the draft discussions are undoubtedly McKenna and Stenberg, with many insiders leaning toward McKenna as the top choice for the Maple Leafs. The talent gap is pronounced, and despite reports indicating the competition is tight — with the difference between McKenna and Stenberg described as “wafer-thin” — McKenna has consistently fueled conversations about being the top pick.
McKenna's on-ice performance has considerably backed his draft status. He dominated the WHL with an impressive 129 points in 56 games for Medicine Hat during the 2024-25 season. Following that, he transitioned to Penn State, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability with 51 points in 35 games. Such statistics speak volumes of his adaptability and skill across varying levels of competition.
Stenberg, on the other hand, is no slouch either; despite playing in one of the more competitive leagues with seasoned athletes, he recorded 33 points in 43 games in the SHL. His success demonstrates his adaptability and potential to contribute to any NHL roster immediately.
What Lies Ahead for the NHL Draft
As the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, the focus remains firmly on building anticipation around McKenna's expected selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Should this prediction hold true, it would mark a significant moment in both McKenna's budding career and the Maple Leafs' growth strategy. Meanwhile, teams like the Sharks will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to select Stenberg - excited to pair him with emerging talents such as Macklin Celebrini, creating a formidable offensive duo.
Overall, this year's draft promises to unveil fresh talents while continuing to reshape franchises in the NHL. Enthusiasm is palpable, and as the curtain rises this Friday, all eyes will be locked onto the decisions made at the podium and the young players who will soon don professional jerseys.
