Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Gavin McKenna ranked No. 1 in the NHL's latest prospect rankings

Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Gavin McKenna has been ranked as No. 1 in the NHL's latest prospect rankings, adding to the growing expectations surrounding the first overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft. The league has reportedly unveiled its list of the league's top 26 prospects, with McKenna taking the top spot ahead of Philadelphia Flyers forward Porter Martone and Chicago Blackhawks forward Anton Frondell.McKenna's ranking comes as little surprise after the highly touted forward was selected first overall by the Maple Leafs in June. The 18-year-old entered the 2025-26 season at Penn State after previously starring for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.Toronto Maple Leafs top prospect Gavin McKenna ranked as No. 1 in the NHL's latest prospect rankings before the start of seasonToronto Maple Leafs top prospect Gavin McKenna taking the first-place ranking is by no means a shocker. The reason he was the unanimous top prospect of his 2026 draft class is that he transitioned to the NCAA ranks last season with Penn State after spending his previous junior tenure with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. It took McKenna some time to adjust to the college game, but he thrived once he became comfortable.As per NHL reports, Gavin McKenna recorded 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in 35 games. It is important to note that McKenna also suited up for Team Canada in the World Junior Championships, where he amassed four goals and ten assists in the seven-game tournament.It is important to note that Gavin McKenna is signed to a 3-year, $3,225,000 million contract with a cap hit of $1,75,000 million per season, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His base pay for the upcoming season is expected to be around $922,500.As the Toronto Maple Leafs' top overall pick, Gavin McKenna will play on the top line of the club alongside Auston Matthews. The player he is already facing a heightened sense of scrutiny.Although head coach Jim Hiller could initially take a more cautious approach and place him on the second line with veterans such as John Tavares and William Nylander. However, McKenna is entering a club where expectations are exceptionally high for him, as the team missed the playoffs last season and had a disappointing year. The organization is counting on its highly touted young forward to become part of the solution.Now the pressure will mount even more after becoming NHL's top prospect before even playing his first regular-season game, that only raises those expectations further. McKenna will now look to translate his impressive junior and collegiate production to the NHL level and help Toronto return to Stanley Cup contention.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.