Gavin McKenna, a forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, is projected to be the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming NHL draft. After a breakout second season at Penn State, the 20‑year‑old posted 51 points in 35 games, tying for fourth in the nation, and his 32 points in the final 17 contests of the season underscored his late‑season surge.
Guy Gadowsky’s Role in McKenna’s Development
McKenna’s path to college hockey was unconventional. He spent two full seasons in the Western Hockey League with Medicine Hat, racking up 97 points in 61 games before posting 41 goals and 129 points in 56 games the following year. The NCAA’s decision to lift its ban on CHL players cleared the way for his move to Penn State, where he now works under head coach Guy Gadowsky, a veteran known for developing talent in the Big Ten.
Scouting director Dan Marr of NHL Central Scouting has repeatedly highlighted McKenna’s adaptability, noting that the youngster has thrived against a variety of competition levels. After meeting several times with Toronto Maple Leafs executives, McKenna expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the club that holds the first overall pick. “Playing in Toronto would be a dream,” he said, reflecting on the city’s hockey heritage.
If the Maple Leafs select him, McKenna would become only the second player from Whitehorse to be drafted in the first round, following in the footsteps of Dylan Cozens. He has spoken openly about the gratitude he feels for his journey, from leaving home six years ago to develop his game, to the chance of stepping onto the NHL’s biggest stage.