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In recent days, we learned that Gavin McKenna was at the center of a legal saga. The young forward, considered the top prospect in the upcoming draft, allegedly struck another student who had verbally attacked his mother.
That's the story circulating at the moment.
However, the most serious charge against the young man has been dropped, which meanshe can breathe a little easier. He still faces three charges, but he no longer risks a heavy sentence.
The question now is what this means for the upcoming draft. McKenna is the favorite to go first overall in the upcoming amateur draft, but we have to wonder if what has happened in the last few days will change that.
It's interesting to note that according to Scott Powers, who covers the Blackhawks forThe Athletic, McKenna's legal saga makes it less likely than before that he will end up in Chicago…
But according to Powers, it was already “unlikely” to happen, even before he got into trouble with the law.
The Florida Panthers' first-round pick is top-10 protected, as @frank_seravalli reported.
So what happens if the Panthers do pick that early? That and more about the Blackhawks' 2026 draft possibilities
https://t.co/N224JzBCv9
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) February 6, 2026
All of this is peculiar given that Powers also mentions in his article that the Blackhawks would like to add another top forward in the upcoming draft (if only they could have drafted Ivan Demidov,hehe), and that the reporter sees guys like Ivar Stenberg, Tynan Lawrence, and Caleb Malhotra being targeted by the Blackhawks.
But apparently, they don't seem to want McKenna… which is strange.
It's also worth noting that McKenna is related to Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. The two are cousins, and the idea of seeing them play on the same team (and on the same line) in the NHL was appealing to people in Chicago.
The question now is whether other teams are particularly interested in drafting McKenna… especially with what has happened in recent days.
Overtime
– David Reinbacher will return to action today.
— Laval Rocket (@RocketLaval) February 7, 2026
– Seahawks or Patriots, who do you think will win?
We asked the Habs players to make their predictions for Sunday's big game! You can make yours with @Miseojeu
We asked the Habs to make their predictions for Sunday's big game! You can make yours with@Miseojeu#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/HBq4sKonfo
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) February 7, 2026
– Big news for the Predators.
CAA Executive Search says it has “ended its contract with the Nashville Predators with respect to the general manager search” after “a productive call with the @NHLPA.” This comes after @frank_seravalli reported the PA was reviewing a potential conflict of interest.
Story at…
— Alex M. Silverman
(@AlexMSilverman) February 7, 2026
– A first medal for Canada at the Olympics.
Valérie Maltais wins Canada's first medal. She ties the best Canadian performance in history in the women's 3000m.
5th Canadian podium in this event, 5th bronze medal
— Guillaume Villemaire (@GVillemaire13) February 7, 2026
– Nothing less.
He will be the “full version” of himself in 2026. https://t.co/dStU7wJcSf
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) February 7, 2026
