Gavin McKenna is ready for the biggest stage, and he isn’t afraid of becoming a villain, either.
The consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is waiting to hear his name called Friday, when he will likely be heading to the Maple Leafs.
McKenna has been in the spotlight since he started high school, already signing autographs at age 14.
Needless to say, he’s used to the attention.
Now, at age 18, McKenna is eager to hear his name called and have his dream realized.
“I’ve just been super excited,” McKenna told reporters in pre-draft availability this week. “Obviously, I’ve thought about it. But at the end of the day, wherever I get picked, I’m excited.
“It’s the NHL draft. I get to experience it with my family and go through it with them. So the fact that it’s here, I know my family and I are pumped.”
It hasn’t always been easy.
McKenna’s season faced criticism after a lackluster first half, leading many to wonder if he was truly the right choice for the first pick.
But things began turning in McKenna’s favor at the World Juniors, where he recorded 14 points in seven games en route to Canada’s bronze medal.
He then put up 33 points in his last 19 games for Penn State.
With the weight of expectations placed firmly on his shoulders, McKenna isn’t afraid to become a villain.
“I want to be a villain wherever I go,” McKenna said, grinning.
Toronto fans shouldn’t be worried about McKenna caving under pressure.
He’s used to having his name in the media since his adolescence.
Above all, he wants to soak up every moment of his entrance to the NHL.
“I’ve been on a lot of journeys, and the fact that the draft is here, it’s flown by,” McKenna said.
“I’m just really trying to take it all in. You only get to go through this once in your life.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
