Gavin McKenna top NHL prospect after Maple Leafs GM visits Whitehorse

Gavin McKenna, an 18‑year‑old forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. After a standout junior career in the WHL, he moved to Penn State for the 2024‑25 season, posting 15 goals and a team‑high 51 points in 36 games. His performances at the World Junior Championship and in college have cemented his status as the top North American prospect.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka travelled to Whitehorse to meet McKenna and his family, saying, “I think there’s some real resolve around who he is and what his career means to him.” McKenna called the visit “an honor.” The Leafs, who won the draft lottery, will select at the Buffalo draft on June 26‑27, with other leading prospects including Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg, Latvia’s Alberts Smits and U.S. defenseman Chase Reid also in contention.