McKenna Watch

[Heavy Jack]

And then some how some way end up with an addition top 5 and land McKenna, it’s fated!!

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I would love to get Verhoeff, he is a great dman.

I really want the flames to get a star forward in the next draft. Picking 3-5 won’t be the worst thing in the world. Belchetz appears to be a huge forward with skill who will hit and fight. Lawrence could be the top center we are after and Stenberg/McKenna are the dynamic skilled winger we could use.

I would be happy with any in the top 5 but hope it works out that we get one of the forwards.

[prizefighterinferno]

Would still be very happy with Mckenna in spite of these concerns. I think once he adds strength and feels more confident engaging physically that the offence will pop again and you'll be able to live with the off-puck game needing to come, but I too will be very interested to see his second half and WJ performance now that the outside noise has been ratcheted up to 11.

All that said, I would be thrilled to land Stenberg or Lawrence also. Both play pretty pro-style games in many ways already from what I understand and look like future impact players that could inject some needed offensive acumen into the forward group.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

I would love to get Verhoeff, he is a great dman.

Talk about being the opposite of the Oilers. Superstar goalie, 2 superstar D... no forwards.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by TrentCrimmIndependent

Appears his team is quite bad. But he's not doing much to help them either, of late.

Oh well, we'll pick him up at 3rd OA when we lose the lottery.

As a 17 year old freshman he's doing very well in the NCAA Big 10 conference. By game 30 he will be a far improved player from now, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him pot 40+ points.

[DionTheDman]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...shared_article

Pronman article that questions if McKenna will still go number 1. He is going to need an absolute monster WJ and second half to get back the hype he had last year.

It'd be so Flames if we finally get that first overall pick and it ends up as this generation's Alex Daigle.

[Flamesfan05]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

As a 17 year old freshman he's doing very well in the NCAA Big 10 conference. By game 30 he will be a far improved player from now, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him pot 40+ points.

He is doing well but not well enough for a generational talent

The expectation is sky high……and honestly he is falling short

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

He is doing well but not well enough for a generational talent

The expectation is sky high……and honestly he is falling short

His start in the NCAA has more than put the generational talk on hold. He is going to need a huge World Junior and second half of the year to get that back. He still is looking like the number 1 pick but the generational stuff is looking less likely.

[cral12]

icymi in the main 2026 NHL Draft thread, McKenna remains #1 overall, for now at least:

Finally got out latest rankings posted - the Top 32 featured in the article with a link to the full Top 224 within, with a few ways to peruse. Please enjoy:

Upside Hockey's Fall Edition 2026 NHL Draft Rankings
Our Top 224 ranked prospects for this NHL Draft class

The "Glide" table/spreadsheet option linked within is probably my fav way to view. We've kept the mega spreadsheet in there as well for those that enjoy the full meal deal.

[Chingas]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...shared_article

Pronman article that questions if McKenna will still go number 1. He is going to need an absolute monster WJ and second half to get back the hype he had last year.

It's such a Pronman thing to crap over the top of this draft after its been lauded as a great draft for the past few years.