2026 projected first overall pick Gavin McKenna is rumored to move to the University of Michigan next season, according to multiple reports.
The junior hockey landscape has been shaken by the recent news of CHL players now being able to move from Canadian junior leagues to the NCAA in the United States to play collegiate hockey.
The recent change has stirred up many hot takes within hockey media with who are some big names from the CHL that could move to College hockey.
Then came out the news that the University of Michigan is rumored to get 2026 projected first overall pick Gavin McKenna from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.
More Betting: NHL Betting Roundup: Demidov and Nikishin To Make Debut, Landeskog Return
The 17-year-old Whitehorse native has made headlines with his jaw-dropping moves and highlight reel goals but many speculate that the young winger is simply too good for the league. The general consensus is that the NCAA would be a step up in weight class that McKenna could benefit from.
McKenna has 41 goals and 88 assists for 129 points in just 56 games this season. If he was to make the move to College, people believe it will be with the Michigan Wolverines.
B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) on X
With the NCAA changing its rules to allow CHL players to join DI hockey teams, some of the top college programs are targeting some of the top junior prospects 👀
It was first reported by Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli and was again brought up on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast by their NCAA Insider, Mike Grinnell.
The move makes a lot of sense as Michigan is one of the top universities in the American collegiate sports and with the recent changes to name, image and likeness policies, McKenna could earn more money playing with the Wolverines than any other school.
More Betting: Safe Bets to Close Out the NHL Season: Top Picks for Parlays and Futures
This could present a great chance for us to get ahead of the curve here and place a future on the Wolverines whenever the odds do come out which should be soon and hopefully before the McKenna news is confirmed.