Gavin McKenna is the 17-year-old WHL prospect everyone expects to be drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Last night, the supertalent showed exactly why he’s on everybody’s radar.
Born in 2007, Gavin McKenna has been considered one of the most talented hockey players to emerge since Connor Bedard and is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Currently playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, McKenna has put up ridiculous numbers in his two and a half seasons there. He finished this year’s regular season with 41 goals and 88 assists for 129 points in 56 games.
McKenna’s Goal of the Year
McKenna and his Tigers are currently facing the Prince Albert Raiders in the second round of the playoffs. In Game 2 of the series yesterday, McKenna once again proved why he’s the talk of the hockey world—even though he isn’t draft eligible for another year. He scored a shorthanded goal that many are calling the “goal of the year.” Seven minutes into the second period, McKenna took the puck out of his defensive zone, made a 360-degree spin to evade the defenders—who were left going the wrong way—and scored on Raiders goaltender Max Hildebrand.
McKenna’s Medicine Hat Tigers went on to win the game 5–4 in overtime after a goal from Liam Ruck. Medicine Hat now leads the best-of-seven second-round series 2–0. Game 3 is on Wednesday in Prince Albert. McKenna is currently tied with Portland’s Tyson Jugnauth for the most points in the playoffs, with 18.
You can see the magnificent goal in the video below.
