2026 Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Suspended by the WHL for Slashing Major
Photo credit: NHL
Connor Bedard shares blood with Gavin McKenna, but unlike McKenna, he will not be suspended from the Blackhawks due to a dirty play
Connor Bedard's cousin, Gavin McKenna has been rated as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.
He's set himself up for success playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers and was named WHL Tempo Player Of The Week for this week.
However, the mighty would soon fall as McKenna found himself in a tough spot after he committed a dirty play on #2 for the Edmonton Oil Kings, Josh Mori.
McKenna carelessly slashed Mori with his stick and his twig would break upon impact on the defenseman's hand which he would favor on the ice.
The superstar forward isn't infallible and makes mistakes, and this one will cost him three games this season.
Before his suspension as a result of the slash this weekend, another story should take prominence, but it won't.
McKenna dominated with three goals and six assists for nine points in four games.
McKenna is a compelling forward, who has shown he has elite skills, and this small obstacle should be corrected.
A lack of discipline could hurt his draft stock in 2026.
In 51 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers this season he's put up a whopping 106 points (32 G, 74 A) in numbers not too dissimilar from his cousin.
But, unlike Bedard, he has a real discipline problem as evidenced by the video above.
Will Gavin McKenna end up being a 1st-round draft pick in the 2026 NHL Draft like his cousin, or will his carelessness lead to the tanking of his value?
It remains to be seen.
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