Gavin McKenna, long considered the frontrunner for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, is no longer a lock to be selected first overall, according to recent reports. The 17-year-old freshman left wing at Penn State University, who had been touted as a potentially generational talent, has seen his status debated among NHL scouts and front offices after a somewhat underwhelming start to his college career.

Before joining the Penn State Nittany Lions, McKenna built an impressive resume. Last season in the Western Hockey League (WHL), he was second in scoring with 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games for Medicine Hat, earning him the player of the year award in both the WHL and the Canadian Hockey League. His exceptional skill set has led to comparisons to elite wingers like Nikita Kucherov and a prime Patrick Kane.

Expectations were high for McKenna as he transitioned to college hockey. However, his first 14 games with Penn State have yielded 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) and a -7 rating. While still a productive stat line for a young player, it hasn't quite reached the lofty standards McKenna established in his junior hockey days.

This slight dip in production has opened the door for debate among NHL talent evaluators. Prospect analyst Corey Pronman noted that if the draft were held today, McKenna might still be the top pick, but the discussion surrounding him would be far more intense than previously anticipated. Pronman stated that he spoke with seven NHL scouts who now have a different player ranked No. 1 on their lists, while ten scouts still believe McKenna is the clear choice, emphasizing his overall body of work.

Despite the increased scrutiny, there's still plenty of hockey left to be played before the 2026 NHL Draft. McKenna has shown flashes of brilliance at Penn State, demonstrating the same elusiveness and playmaking ability that made him a standout in the WHL. His passing skills have been particularly impressive, as he consistently creates scoring opportunities for his linemates.

However, some scouts are looking for more physicality and a stronger two-way game from McKenna. While he's primarily known for his offensive prowess, improving his defensive play and board work could solidify his case as the top prospect.

Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky has praised McKenna's work ethic and his seamless integration into the team's locker room. He's also highlighted McKenna's exceptional speed and quickness. While adjusting to a new team and level of competition, McKenna has already shown why he was considered a potential generational talent.

Several NHL teams are expected to be in the running for Gavin McKenna in the 2026 Draft. Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, who are in the midst of rebuilding, could benefit greatly from adding a player of McKenna's caliber. The Seattle Kraken, who have some promising prospects but could use a game-changer, might also be in the mix.

While Gavin McKenna may no longer be the undisputed No. 1 pick, he remains a highly talented and promising prospect. His performance throughout the remainder of the college hockey season will be crucial in determining his ultimate draft position. The debate surrounding the top spot in the 2026 NHL Draft is far from over, and McKenna has the opportunity to reaffirm his status as a potential franchise cornerstone.