PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
February 7, 2026 (11:25)
Photo credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna’s assault case shook the 2026 NHL Draft, and the Chicago Blackhawks look even less likely to chase him.
A Blackhawks fan account amplified a Scott Powers note that Chicago wasn’t leaning McKenna even before the felony charge, and it’s “even less likely now.”
That matters because Hawks fans have spent two years dreaming about pairing a future 1st overall talent with Connor Bedard.
But “fit” is more than points, it’s risk tolerance, optics, and how your room handles noise.
On Friday, prosecutors dropped the aggravated assault felony after reviewing evidence. McKenna still faces lesser accusations tied to the same incident.
That’s the key nuance people keep skipping when they say “charges were dropped.”
According to team reporter Scott Powers, the Blackhawks were not fond of drafting McKenna before his controversy, and now they are even less high on him.
“The Blackhawks weren’t likely to draft Gavin McKenna before he was charged with felony assault. It’s even less likely now.”
Chicago also might not be drafting at the very top anyway, and that shifts everything.
The Blackhawks are 22-26-9 right now.
They’re bad, but not the kind of bad that guarantees first overall odds.
They’ve also got an extra 2026 first-round pick in play, which gives them more ways to attack the top of the class.
Gavin McKenna and Chicago Blackhawks feel miles apart
Hawks fans will hate hearing it, but after the last decade, this franchise simply can’t afford another off-ice headline.
If Kyle Davidson’s plan is “slow build, clean slate,” then the safest pick often wins over the flashiest one.
McKenna’s talent is not the question, and his production at Penn State has been real this season.
The question is whether Chicago wants to spend an entire draft year answering the same uncomfortable questions.
For McKenna, the next milestone is simple: play, keep the story on the ice, and get through the legal calendar without more turbulence.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Chicago Blackhawks make their feelings known on Gavin McKenna after assault case twists
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