The Vancouver Canucks are heading into the 2026 NHL Entry Draft with a full arsenal of 10 picks, and there's one name that has scouts and fans buzzing: Gavin McKenna. As we count down to draft day, The Hockey News is profiling the top prospects the Canucks could target, and today we're looking at the Penn State forward who could be the cornerstone of Vancouver's future.
Even after losing the draft lottery twice, the Canucks still have a path to landing McKenna with the third overall pick. Here's the twist: the Toronto Maple Leafs, picking first, are reportedly leaning toward Ivar Stenberg, while the San Jose Sharks at No. 2 may prioritize defense given their deep forward group. It's a long shot, sure, but in a draft as unpredictable as this one, don't count anything out.
McKenna has been a household name among hockey insiders for the past couple of seasons, and for good reason. During his WHL days, he was nothing short of dominant, racking up 244 points in just 133 games. This season, he made the leap to the NCAA and didn't miss a beat, posting 51 points in 35 games for Penn State. That kind of seamless transition from junior hockey to college hockey is rare, and it speaks volumes about his adaptability and skill.
Despite the ongoing debate about who truly deserves the No. 1 spot, McKenna has never slipped from the top of NHL Central Scouting's rankings. At 5'11" and 170 pounds, he may not be the biggest player on the ice, but his game is massive. He finished first on both the mid-term and final rankings, holding off strong pushes from other prospects all season long. Simply put, he's still considered the top North American talent in this draft class.
McKenna didn't just shine at the college level—he also turned heads at the 2026 World Juniors. In seven games, the 18-year-old tallied four goals and 14 points, recording at least one point in every single contest. His crowning moment came in the Bronze Medal game against Finland, where he erupted for four points to help secure the win. That kind of clutch performance on the international stage is exactly what you want to see from a top prospect.
What makes McKenna so special? He's a high-end, offensive playmaker who controls the game from the perimeter. He has a knack for drawing multiple defenders, which opens up space for his teammates to operate. In transition, he's dynamic and explosive, using his elite speed and hockey IQ to read the play and make things happen. For a Canucks team looking to add elite offensive talent, McKenna could be the perfect fit.