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CALGARY — Gavin McKenna is currently the front-runner to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, but the 16-year-old forward isn’t in any rush to get there just yet.

Last season’s Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year, McKenna, is adopting a calm and patient approach to the nearly two-year wait ahead.

McKenna conveyed to NHL.com that he feels somewhat fortunate to have another year before he’s drafted. He emphasized his need to capitalize on this time, dedicating himself fully every day. He stressed he shouldn’t take it easy just because he has time, but instead make sure he’s putting in the work daily to be prepared when the time comes.

The hockey community is abuzz about the left-wing player hailing from Whitehorse, Yukon, and it’s easy to understand why. McKenna, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 160 pounds, amassed an impressive 97 points, consisting of 34 goals and 63 assists, over the course of 61 games for Medicine Hat in the Western Hockey League in the 2023-24 season.

He also had 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in seven games at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship — the most productive tournament ever by a 16-year-old skater, and the third-most points in a single tournament regardless of age behind top 2025 draft prospect James Hagens (22 points, 2024) and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (21 points, 2011).

“McKenna is a slick player,” stated Matthew Schaefer, a top prospect for the 2025 draft and a teammate of McKenna’s in both the U18 World Championship and the forthcoming 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, scheduled for August 5-10. “He has excellent coordination between his hands and feet. If you get distracted by the puck, you’re done for. He’s an exceptional player and quite deceptive. You’re never sure of his next move.”

Schaefer’s assertion is supported by the accolades he received during his brief career. These include a Jim Piggott Trophy as the WHL Rookie of the Year in 2023-24 and the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) most valuable player award in 2022-23.

However, McKenna, who describes himself as a “shifty playmaker who enjoys playing at high speed,” is not going to let attention and speculation overwhelm him.

“Growing up, I believe my parents did a commendable job raising me,” said McKenna. “They ingrained in me the importance of steering clear of distractions. When I’m on the rink, absorbed in playing the sport I love daily, all external distractions naturally fade away. I don’t even contemplate them; I’m simply engrossed in the game. As for online distractions, I try to avoid them as much as possible. Although it can be challenging at times, the trick lies in focusing on oneself and not letting it affect you.”

That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be significant for McKenna to join the likes of Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid as No. 1 picks, however.

It remains an opportunity he relishes.

McKenna stated, “It would be fantastic. It’s an objective I’ve striven for all my life. If I get the chance to realize it, my family and I would be extremely proud. It would be an incredible moment for us all, knowing that I’m a step closer to my goal and that it has been achieved. That would be truly wonderful.”

McKenna, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 Bantam Draft, has that as her long-term goal.

Before reaching that point, there are several shorter-term objectives to accomplish. This includes earning a gold medal from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. On Tuesday, he was one of the 22 skaters selected to represent Canada.

He would also include another appearance with Canada, this time at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, taking place from Dec. 26-Jan. 5, on his list.

“My ambition is to participate in the World Juniors and represent my country,” shared McKenna. “This has been a lifelong dream of mine. The prospect of realizing this dream will be a significant accomplishment for me, and it will serve as my motivation throughout the year.”

Too, a WHL championship in the spring would nearly complete his checklist.

Perhaps after that, McKenna will finally focus on the 2026 draft.

“Stay composed and dismiss distractions because they don’t matter,” advised McKenna. “The focus should be on your hard work and where it will place you in the draft. Concentrate on self-improvement and strive to enhance your skills each day.”