2026 NHL Draft

[Lancer]

If Verhoeff meets or beats his physical projections, combined with a reputed small mean streak and his skill/mental attributes, even if he never wins a Norris he would be a key player to have when the team contends again. Physically Ekblad-lite (Ekblad was a physical stud when he was drafted) with more skill?

Sign me up.

Dynamic offensive forwards don't grow on trees, but if scouts think Verhoeff can be something of a blueline unicorn, then it's a no-brainer.

[theman]

I keep flipping between McKenna and Verhoeff now. Starting to lean more to Verhoeff, prospect of a true stud RD is so tempting.

[Hockey Widow]

Ya I am coming around to that thinking as well.

[Aaronp18]

https://onwardstate.com/2026/02/04/gavi ... t-doggies/

"Penn State men’s hockey forward Gavin McKenna was charged following an alleged altercation in downtown State College late Saturday night. The incident occurred along the 100 block of South Pugh Street, with a report filed at 10:35 p.m.

State College police charged McKenna, 18, with felony aggravated assault that “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” misdemeanor simple assault, and two summary offenses for disorderly conduct and harassment. If found guilty, McKenna faces up to 20 years in prison on the felony charge alone.

According to sources, the team had been at a downtown bar with friends and family following the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. During the incident, McKenna allegedly assaulted an unidentified individual, leaving the victim with a broken jaw."

Hmm, I'm sure more details to come but I'm unsure if this makes me want to draft him more or less....

[dbr]

Looks like Verhoeff might not fall to 3rd overall

[Cornuck]

So a hockey player got into a bar fight - and won?

I guess there's the usual 'over-charging' involved in this case - but I guess we'll wait and see what the real story is.

So far, this prospective Canuck would rank at or near the top in team toughness.

[theman]

So, I guess we want the Canucks to have a top 2 pick now.

Maybe McKenna could fall to where the Canucks will be picking with the Minny pick?

[donlever]

Was the "victims" last name Fedorov?

[Aaronp18]

I would expect not much to come of this, but I guess we'll see. He was with "family and friends", so I'm sure enough witnesses to say he was simply defending himself or something to that effect.

The fact that he has a mean streak to him is a positive from my perspective! haha

Definitely sounds like a Bieksa story. Hockey players getting into fights with drunkards is nothing new of course!

[Carl Yagro]

Meh, not even close to being as impressive as the time Biz took on 7 guys at a Chipotle or something.

Probably some drunk fan of the other school trying to make a name for himself picking on the 18 yo star.

[Megaterio Llamas]

The fact that the 170-pounder has some fight in him is a plus.

[Nuckertuzzi]

Get hammered, drop a

Good. Canadian. Kid!

[donlever]

Get hammered, drop a

Good. Canadian. Kid!

Nice.

Meh, not even close to being as impressive as the time Biz took on 7 guys at a Chipotle or something.

Houstons.

The fact that the 170-pounder has some fight in him is a plus.

..as long as he can drink before he plays we good.

[Nuckertuzzi]

The boy's stock just shot up, don't ya think?

Ahem... so long as he beats the rap of course.

[Aaronp18]

Rumours circulating the kid wouldn't stop insulting McKenna's mom. Several people tried to diffuse the situation, Gavin had enough and knocked said kid the fuck out.

Could propel him back to #1 tbh!