Gavin McKenna gets real on Maple Leafs fanbase ahead of NHL Draft

We are less than 24 hours away from the 2026 NHL Draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs own the first overall pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery back in May. Speculation as to who they will take has run rampant ever since they earned the top selection. With the draft nearing, all eyes are on Penn State star Gavin McKenna.

McKenna has been the No. 1 pick in every ClutchPoints NHL Mock Draft this season. He is widely seen as the best prospect in this class. And he has the potential to be a truly game-breaking talent at the next level. Ahead of Friday’s draft, the Penn State star spoke about what it would mean to him if the Maple Leafs called his name.

“It doesn’t really feel real. It’s pretty cool. Toronto has such a passionate fan base. If I do get drafted there, I’d be pumped,” the Penn State star said, via Sportsnet.

McKenna dominated the Western Hockey League with the Medicine Hat Tigers prior to joining the Nittany Lions. He experienced a bit of an adjustment period once he stepped onto the ice at Happy Valley. However, he ended the 2025-26 season as one of the best players in all of college hockey.

It’s not a foregone conclusion that the Maple Leafs select McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. At the same time, he is the current favorite to hear his name first before all others. He only needs to wait a little bit longer until his dreams of becoming an NHL player are fully realized.

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