Gavin McKenna could become one of the most exciting, and difficult players to evaluate in 2026-27 Fantasy Hockey drafts. The Toronto Maple Leafs rookie has never played an NHL game, but his projected role gives him an immediate advantage over most first-year forwards.
My early projection for McKenna is 24 goals, 44 assists and 68 points in 79 games. That puts him within striking distance of a 70-point rookie season and makes him a legitimate Calder Trophy candidate.
The biggest reason for the optimistic projection is opportunity. One potential Toronto line could feature McKenna alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies, placing an elite young playmaker beside one of hockey’s best goal scorers and a powerful winger who can retrieve pucks and create traffic around the net. McKenna should also receive significant power-play opportunities, potentially joining Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares and Darren Raddysh on Toronto’s first unit.
That is an outstanding environment for a rookie who already possesses elite vision, puck control and passing ability.
Toronto selected McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft before signing him to a three-year entry-level contract. He produced 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in only 35 games during his freshman season at Penn State.
Why Gavin McKenna Could Become a Fantasy Hockey Star Immediately
McKenna’s offensive profile suggests he may begin his NHL career as more of a playmaker than a pure goal scorer. At Penn State, he recorded 36 assists and generated 152 shots in 35 games. He also collected 21 power-play points, demonstrating that he can manipulate defenders and create offence when given additional time and space. NHL Central Scouting described him as an offensive driver capable of producing at five-on-five and on the power play.
That skill set should complement Matthews exceptionally well.
Matthews does not need McKenna to overpower defenders or dominate the front of the net. He needs a winger who can enter the offensive zone with possession, draw coverage and find him in shooting areas. Knies could handle much of the forechecking and net-front work, allowing McKenna to operate as the line’s primary distributor.
This potential line combination has not been confirmed, but it is one of several top-six arrangements Toronto can experiment with during training camp. NHL.com has also identified McKenna as a possible fit with Matthews and Knies and projects him to receive first-unit power-play time.
Gavin McKenna Rookie Projection
| Fantasy category | 2026–27 projection |
|---|---|
| Games played | 79 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 44 |
| Points | 68 |
| Power-play points | 21 |
| Shots on goal | 205 |
| Projected scoring range | 58–75 points |
My projection is slightly more aggressive than NHL.com’s initial forecast of 22 goals, 41 assists and 63 points. The additional five points are based on McKenna receiving close to a full season of top-six minutes and maintaining a regular role on Toronto’s first power-play unit.
There are still risks. Young forwards often experience inconsistent ice time, defensive adjustments and extended scoring droughts. Toronto may also shelter McKenna early or move him between different lines. His scoring floor could fall closer to 55 points if he misses games or loses his premium power-play role.
Where Should Gavin McKenna Be Drafted in Fantasy Hockey?
In a standard 12-team redraft league, I would begin considering McKenna during the middle rounds. His name recognition and upside could push his average draft position higher, but fantasy managers should avoid paying for his absolute ceiling.
A 68-point projection makes him particularly valuable in leagues that reward power-play production. However, managers in formats that heavily count hits, blocked shots and penalty minutes should remember that his primary value will come from goals, assists, shots and special-teams scoring.
McKenna is even more valuable in keeper and dynasty formats. His long-term combination of talent, draft pedigree and potential exposure to Toronto’s best offensive players gives him future point-per-game upside. He may not reach that level immediately, but his rookie season should provide fantasy managers with a glimpse of what is coming.
The safest expectation is between 60 and 65 points. My official prediction remains 24 goals, 44 assists and 68 points, with a realistic chance to challenge 70 if he stays healthy and earns consistent minutes beside Matthews.
Gavin McKenna Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Playoffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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