The future of Declan McNally with the Guelph Storm looks in doubt as the first rounder is a no-show at camp
The Guelph Storm have announced that defenseman Declan McNally, the team's first round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, will not report to the team's training camp, putting his future with the club into question.
In a statement released by the team, Guelph General Manager George Burnett says that McNally was known as being uncertain to join the team prior to being selected by the Storm seventh overall in the draft.
McNally’s representative made it clear ahead of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection that they were concerned about the opportunity in Guelph with the number of returning veteran defensemen the team has assembled for the season. McNally’s representative informed the team of their decision late Monday.
Burnett added that the team is working through potential "next steps" regarding the matter, but without an answer as to whether the team will seek a trade partner for McNally, or if he could be assigned to either the GOHL or OJHL.
It is our responsibility to take the best available player at the 7th overall pick on draft day. Declan is a talented young hockey player who is ready and capable of playing in the Ontario Hockey League. We will work through the process as outlined by the Ontario Hockey League to determine the next steps.
Guelph, the Memorial Cup hosts for 2027, have already added defenseman Vladimir Dravecky from the Brantford Bulldogs to add to the Storm's top-four on the right-hand side, with other moves being possible.
On McNally's left handed side, Grant Spada, Noah Jenken, & Eric Frossard are expected to hold down spots, making McNally an uncertainty for a spot.
McNally is not the only 2026 OHL Priority Draft first rounder with an uncertain future. Third overall pick Tanner Adams joined the NOJHL Timmins Rock as he seeks a trade from the Brampton Steelheads, who selected him third overall.
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