The 2025 NHL draft was barely over five weeks ago, and critics and agents have already started predicting who will be the expected number one pick for next year. So far, one name has dominated the list, with Gavin McKenna taking that spot.
With two back-to-back phenomenal seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL, many have expected him to be the undisputed #1 pick for 2026. But his recent decision to commit to Penn State had critics scratching their heads.
And now one veteran has some words for the McKenna, having taken the same route years ago.
Keith Tkachuk Has Some Deep Insight for Gavin McKenna
While many NHL players have started their journey by first playing in the NCAA, this will be the first season when Canadian players have been allowed to play in the tournament. But McKenna’s commitment to the Nittany Lions confuses a lot of folks.
Penn State joined the NCAA Division I for hockey only in 2012. And since then, they have appeared in just one Frozen Four, earlier this year. This makes the chances for McKenna to use this as a real learning experience pretty low. But one former player has a different view.
In a recent interview with ESPN, former NHL player and father of current players Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, Keith Tkachuk, supported McKenna. Tkachuk himself played for Boston University before making it to the NHL.
When asked about his view on McKenna, he said, “They’re both great paths to get to the NHL. It all depends on the player. Back then, before the new rules, you had to make a choice.” He also mentioned that Matthew (Tkachuk) played for the London Knights in the OHL.
Tkachuk continues, “Matthew had a late birthday. He wanted to play for the London Knights for [Dale and Mark] Hunter. To be able to play with Christian Dvorak and Mitch Marner was a huge plus.” This experience helped him in his NHL career.
Tkachuk mentions, “Now with the rule changes, I think it’s great. Gavin McKenna had phenomenal years at Medicine Hat. He’s one of the best players I’ve seen in a long time.” He believes that now McKenna will have the chance to face tougher competition.
He mentions, “Now he gets to play a schedule where he can rely on getting stronger, getting bigger, and playing against older players.” Until now, McKenna had the chance to prove himself in the Canadian Junior Leagues. But now he can face American talents as well.
Tkachuk continued, “I think it’s a good opportunity for these kids to have a chance to go play for Boston University or Michigan State or Penn State, wherever they go.” He says it is a great learning opportunity, and the NIL money will be great.
