Reports that Gavin McKenna may not be the 1st overall pick after all
NHL Draft insider Cam Robinson reports that neither Gavin McKenna nor Ivar Stenberg may be selected first overall, with Caleb Malhotra potentially being the top pick for at least one team. McKenna, a creative forward from Penn State, and Stenberg, a polished Swedish prospect, remain the top prospects but face uncertainty as Malhotra gains traction as a potential first pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL Draft insider Cam Robinson has sparked debate by suggesting that neither Gavin McKenna nor Ivar Stenberg will be selected first overall in next month’s draft. Instead, Caleb Malhotra, the fifth-ranked North American skater and son of former NHLer Manny Malhotra, has been listed as the top pick by at least one NHL team. McKenna, a dynamic offensive forward from Penn State, has long been considered the crown jewel of the 2026 draft class. Scouts praise his puck control, vision, and one-on-one offensive skills, comparing him to players like Connor Bedard and Nikita Kucherov. After dominating in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, he transitioned to college hockey and continued to showcase elite offensive instincts. Stenberg, a Swedish standout from Frölunda in the SHL, offers a more polished and complete two-way game. Analysts highlight his hockey IQ, consistency, and NHL readiness, suggesting he may be the safer pick despite McKenna’s higher offensive ceiling. Robinson’s report raises questions about how teams value electrifying skill versus complete refinement. While Malhotra’s rise complicates the debate, most experts still expect either McKenna or Stenberg to go first overall. The Toronto Maple Leafs, holding the top pick, remain the most likely team to select Malhotra if the trend continues.
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