Gavin McKenna has been drafted first overall out of Penn State University by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Whitehorse, YT native has long been considered the consensus top player in the 2026 class even before his arrival in Happy Valley. In his freshman year, McKenna earned 51 points (15 goals + 36 assists) in 35 games. His 36 assists were best among the Nittany Lions. McKenna was also named one of the final 10 Hobey Baker Award candidates.

Prior to his NCAA season he played parts of three campaigns with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. During the 2024-25 campaign, McKenna led the entire Canadian Hockey League with 88 assists and finished third in points with 129. He also collected a slew of awards in that same season, including the CHL Player of the Year, First Team All-Star, Memorial Cup All-Star, Hlinka Gretzky Cup Gold Medal and an Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champion with the Tigers.

It was reported that McKenna has left Penn State following his freshman year, paving the way for him to sign his ELC with Toronto. McKenna expressed his gratitude to the institution.

“Penn State was a fun ride,” McKenna said to Kyle Golik of Nittany Sports Now. “I got to experience some crazy things, like the outdoor game and just college in general. It was a pretty fun ride.”

That fun ride is set to continue for the new number one pick in the world’s biggest hockey market.