Generational Talent Gavin McKenna May Leave Canadian Junior Hockey After Talking With Former NHLer

The Medicine Hat Tigers have started red-hot in the WHL Playoffs this season, but the biggest story around the team remains Gavin McKenna and what his future will hold.

The future No. 1 overall draft pick has a big decision to make for his draft year, and already we've heard the rumours that he could potentially leave the WHL and the Tigers for one season of NCAA Hockey before the 2026 NHL Draft.

Now, it's been reported that Byron Ritchie, the former NHLer is advising him on his future, not only because of his experience but because McKenna lived with him for several years while at the Rink Academy, and given that his son Ryder Ritchie plays for the Tigers, it's easy to see why he'd be invested in what's best for McKenna and his future.

Unsurprisingly, the 17-year old is absolutely tearing it up in the WHL Playoffs, posting 8 points in two games as the Tigers have taken a 2-0 series lead in the first round, showing why he's the unanimous pick for the No. 1 slot in 2026.

However, it appears only a matter of time until he announces he could head to the NCAA to prove himself ahead of his draft in 2026, where he will likely make the jump immediately to the NHL like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini before him.

With Ritchie advising him, confidence is high that whatever decision McKenna makes, it's for the good of his future, and with so much talent, as long as he stays level headed, it's expected that he'll be a star upon arrival in the NHL like so many hyped prospects before him.