Gavin McKenna (born December 20, 2007) is a Canadian college ice hockey player who is a forward for Penn State University as a prospect of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was selected by the Maple Leafs with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft. McKenna previously played three seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
๐ Early Career
McKenna was the first Yukon-born player to be drafted first overall in the WHL, being selected in the 2022 bantam draft by the Medicine Hat Tigers. He recorded four points in his WHL debut, and finished his first season with 18 points in 16 games.
๐ WHL Achievements
In his first full WHL season in 2023โ24, McKenna recorded 34 goals and 97 points in 61 regular season games. He received the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s rookie of the year and also won the CHL Rookie of the Year Award.
๐ Record-Breaking Season
In the 2024โ25 season, McKenna embarked on a point streak that extended to 40 games, breaking the 21st century WHL record. He recorded 41 goals and a league-leading 88 assists in 56 games, and received the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s most valuable player.
๐ Playoffs and Memorial Cup
McKenna had 9 goals and 38 points in 16 playoff games as the Tigers claimed the Ed Chynoweth Cup. At the 2025 Memorial Cup, the Tigers reached the championship final but were defeated by the London Knights, and McKenna was named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team.
๐ College Commitment
On July 8, 2025, McKenna announced he had committed to Penn State University for the 2025โ26 season. As part of his recruitment, it was reported McKenna will receive up to US$700,000 in name, image and likeness compensation.
๐ International Play
McKenna made his international debut for the Canadian under-18 team at the 2024 World U18 Championships, leading Canada in scoring with 10 goals and 10 assists. He scored a hat-trick in the gold medal game as Canada secured the title with a 6โ4 victory over the United States.
โ๏ธ Legal Incident
Following an alleged physical altercation on January 31, 2026, McKenna was charged with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanour simple assault, disorderly conduct, and harassment. The aggravated assault charge was dropped after a video review, and McKenna continues to face the remaining misdemeanor and summary charges.
| Season | Team | Games | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023โ24 | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) | 61 | 97 |
| 2024โ25 | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) | 56 | 129 |
| 2025 Playoffs | Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) | 16 | 38 |
| 2024 U18 Worlds | Canada U18 | 7 | 20 |