Did Gavin McKenna make a massive mistake not going to Worlds?

Gavin McKenna is viewed as the most hyped prospect, with strong production across levels, including 244 points in 107 games and 51 points in 35 games at Penn State. Expectations place him as a likely first overall pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs. McKenna chose to skip the 2026 IIHF Men’s World Championship to focus on training for the NHL Draft Combine, which drew criticism and speculation that it could cost him the top selection. The decision is framed as unlikely to change how teams evaluate him, since they will prioritize his performance and development. Meanwhile, Ivar Stenberg’s performance for Sweden is described as boosting his stock and narrowing the gap between them.

"Without a doubt, Gavin McKenna is the most hyped-up prospect in this draft class. After racking up 244 points in 107 games, many have deemed him to be the next young superstar in the NHL. This hype only grew when he racked up 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in 35 games at Penn State. It's easy to see that McKenna dominates at whatever level of hockey he plays. This explains why everyone expects McKenna to go number one to the Toronto Maple Leafs."

"But recently, McKenna has been in the news not for what he is doing on the ice, but for what he decided not to do. McKenna decided to skip the 2026 IIHF Men's World Championship, deciding to focus on training for the NHL Draft Combine. Some have seen this as controversial and as a mistake on McKenna's part. PuckEmpire on Twitter/X have suggested it could cost him being the number one overall pick. McKenna should have gone to the World Championship to end these types of conversations."

"McKenna is still probably the #1 on Toronto's list, but man what a silly decision it was for him to opt out of Team Canada at the IIHF Worlds.Stenberg's stock has only risen from playing at the tournament, and the gap between Stenberg/McKenna is much smaller than JH/Kakko was.- PuckEmpire (@puckempire) May 26, 2026"

"McKenna not going to the World Championship did not hurt his draft stock. It's not like his deciding to play in an international tournament is going to make teams look at him differently. They are going to look at the great numbers in the WHL and how he adjusted after a slow start at Penn State, and still believe he is an extremely talented player. Someone who can make the NHL lineup from the jump, and can be someone that a franchise builds around."

Read at Editor In Leaf