As expected, Maple Leafs draft McKenna at No. 1
Key takeaways
- BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State winger Gavin Mc Kenna with the first pick of the NHL Entry Draft on Friday night.
- Mc Kenna, 18, was widely projected to go No. 1 overall to the Maple Leafs on the strength of a junior hockey and collegiate career that showcased his elite scoring and playmaking capabilities.
- That same year, the NCAA changed its rules on eligibility for skaters who had previously suited up in the Canadian major junior leagues, including the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State winger Gavin Mc Kenna with the first pick of the NHL Entry Draft on Friday night.
Mc Kenna, 18, was widely projected to go No. 1 overall to the Maple Leafs on the strength of a junior hockey and collegiate career that showcased his elite scoring and playmaking capabilities. The Whitehorse, Yukon, native debuted with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers in 2022 and played there until 2025, collecting 79 goals and 165 points in 133 games.
That same year, the NCAA changed its rules on eligibility for skaters who had previously suited up in the Canadian major junior leagues, including the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. As a result, McKenna was one of the first players to take advantage by joining the Nittany Lions for the 2025-26 season.