Maple Leafs face mixed outlook on Gavin McKenna ahead of NHL Draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and are expected to select Gavin McKenna. An anonymous scout compared McKenna to Artemi Panarin, suggesting he may achieve individual accolades but lacks potential for playoff dominance. McKenna demonstrated strong offensive skills with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL and had a notable performance at Penn State. The Leafs' management hopes McKenna will exceed these comparisons and fulfill the high expectations of their first draft choice.

• 4:42 PMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs get underwhelming Gavin McKenna comparison from The Athletic