The hockey world is buzzing as we approach one of the most pivotal nights of the NHL offseason: the draft lottery. Set to take place Tuesday evening, this event will determine the fate of the top picks for teams that missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And at the center of it all is Penn State's electrifying freshman forward, Gavin McKenna.
Since arriving in Happy Valley, McKenna has been widely regarded as the top prospect in the entire draft class. ESPN's latest rankings reinforce that status, placing him at No. 1 with a clear label: the player with the most certainty of becoming a successful NHLer. But here's the twist—being the best prospect doesn't always guarantee being the first pick.
"There is no consensus on any player except Gavin McKenna, and even he has scouts questioning whether he should be the first player off the board," notes ESPN's Rachel Kryshak. "If your team needs a high-end defenseman, this is the year. There are a handful of prospects projected to become foundational pieces on the top pair."
So, if the team that wins the lottery prioritizes shoring up its blue line, McKenna might have to wait just a few more moments to hear his name called. But make no mistake—he won't be waiting long. His talent is undeniable, and his stock remains sky-high.
McKenna's freshman season at Penn State was nothing short of spectacular. In 35 games, he tallied 15 goals and 36 assists, securing the Big Ten scoring championship and earning a sweep of conference honors: Big Ten Freshman of the Year, All-Big Ten Second Team, and All-Big Ten Freshman Team. He also added AHCA West Second Team All-American accolades to his growing trophy case.
Beyond college hockey, McKenna has already made his mark on the international stage. He helped lead Canada to gold at the 2024 World U18 Championships and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and most recently returned with a bronze medal from the World Junior Championships. That kind of pedigree is exactly what NHL teams covet.
As the draft lottery approaches, all eyes are on McKenna. Whether he goes first overall or slides to second, one thing is certain: this is a player built for the big stage, and his journey from Penn State to the pros is just beginning.