The Next Generational Hockey Star Has Already Been Found and Fans are Excited

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Connor Bedard. Numerous scouts and analysts from all across the league referred to him as generational. Fans will soon need to find a new prospect to swoon over with the 2023 draft only about a month away, and it appears that one may have just been found.

Fans of hockey have found their brand-new sparkling toy; move over, Bedard.

The WHL’s Gavin McKenna, a rookie sensation who analysts have already pegged as the first overall choice in 2026, is the source of this new fandom. McKenna won’t be available for the draft until 2026, that much is true.

McKenna, who is just a little over 15 years old, has already finished his debut season in the WHL, averaging more than one point per game. For many candidates, that would be no easy task, but for a 15-year-old? That’s really impressive!

15-year-old Gavin McKenna has his first WHL goal❗️ pic.twitter.com/j1Gq3Ial8o

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) March 12, 2023

Hold on though, things get better. It comes out that Connor Bedard’s cousin is Gavin McKenna. The fact that this Bedard/McKenna family has produced two top-level prospects in a 4-year stretch indicates that the hockey genes run strong in this family.

TOP Prospect Watch: Gavin Mckenna

Gavin Mckenna, the next Connor Bedard? Watch his 22 pts in 4 games at the @2023CanadaGames for Team Yukon.

Same age in the @CSSHL
Bedard – 84pts 36gp
McKenna – 73pts 25gp
Savoie – 71pts 31gp#HockeyTwitter #Hockey #NHL #2023canadagames pic.twitter.com/iS1jEWmq8m

— Mitch Giguere (@Mitch_Giguere) February 22, 2023

What do you think, is it too early to label McKenna as the next generational prospect, or is the hype justified?

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!

@igorburdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

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