People can’t get enough of Team Canada forward Gavin McKenna, who is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

“He’s the best junior hockey player in Canada,” TSN’s Craig Button emphasized to SportsCage. “He’s going to play a prominent role, like he has in every other single event he’s been at.”

“The only way he won’t have a prominent role on this team is if he decides to wear skates that don’t fit, and he turns his stick over and plays with the other end,” Button chuckled.

According to Button, McKenna’s play at the World Junior under 18 tournament highlights the young prospect’s abilities, that event was held in Finland from April 25 to May 5 this year. The gold medal game was between Canada and the USA, the Red and White won 6-4. McKenna contributed three goals and one assist against the Americans.

“Canada won the U18 gold medal this past spring in Finland. He was instrumental In the gold medal game. When Canada was down 3-1, he took the game over,” Button said. “He was only 16 in that tournament, younger than everybody by about two years.” 

“There’s no question in my mind; there’s no spotlight that’s been too bright for Gavin McKenna,” Button explained.

During that tournament, McKenna finished with 20 points, scoring 10 goals and recording 10 assists in seven games. 

In addition to Button, Team Canada general manager Peter Anholt knows McKenna has elite skills.

“He’s a special player and his hockey sense is off the charts,” Anholt told the SportsCage. “He can make plays that other guys don’t see, so you have to play him with smart players because they have to be in the right place to receive those passes.”

McKenna plays in the WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2022 WHL Draft. During his rookie season, he played 61 games, recorded 34 goals and 63 assists for 97 points. At the end of the season, the WHL awarded McKenna’s efforts with the 2023 WHL Rookie of the Year trophy. This year, McKenna leads the WHL in points with 60, scoring 19 goals and 41 assists in 16 games played.

Team Canada’s first preliminary round game goes against Finland on December 26 at 6:30 p.m.