Hockey Canada put out their list of 32 invitees to their 2026-27 World Junior Selection Camp and notable by his absence is 2026 first overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Though eligible to be named to the roster, McKenna was not named as one of the 32 players selected by Team Canada to try and make their way onto the World Juniors team for 2026-27. Other 2026 picks like Carson Carels and Tynan Lawrence were invited and it's a bit odd seeing him left out.
Though that could also be heavily due in part because he may not be available. The Toronto Maple Leafs (who expect McKenna to be a key part of the lineup) play five games during the tournament as part of their seven-game road trip in December and may not want to risk losing his talent during that stretch.
Gavin McKenna is eligible for the World Juniors so his absence at selection camp isn't worrisome
Hockey Canada could see McKenna as a lock already, given his previous production in the tournament.
Last year, McKenna had 14 points in seven games (4 goals, 10 assists) with a plus-7 and 14 PIM; ranking second behind Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage (15). He also played five games in the 2024-25 tournament, recording one goal.
With eight returning players to the lineup, the Canadian side is trying to ensure there's some familiarity ahead of the tournament, and while they are going to be going through selection camp without McKenna - it's completely separate from training camp. If he's a lock, then he doesn't need to be chosen out of others.
Toronto isn't going to be underrepresented though, as 2025 third-round pick Tyler Hopkins as well as 2026 third-round pick Juuso Ainasto were chosen to selection camp for Canada and Finland respectively.
Hockey Canada and the Maple Leafs will no doubt have discussions regarding McKenna's availability for the tournament, and it depends on how the season plays out.
World Juniors takes place at the most inopportune time for the Maple Leafs
If Toronto is getting a lot of help outside of McKenna offensively then they may give him more international exposure. But if he's a key part of their first-half push then losing him for their longest road trip is tough for Toronto.
It's not that him not bing selected to camp is the issue because well, it's McKenna. Of course he would be selected otherwise, but the actual tournament dates create a conflict that would otherwise need some more answers to resolve.
Since the Maple Leafs play a stretch of five games in the exact timeframe of the tournament, it won't be easy to get him out of the lineup. It's smack dab in the middle of Toronto's California road trip and they play a back-to-back on Dec. 29 and 30.
With the World Juniors running from Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) until Jan. 5th, there's no time for McKenna or Toronto to debate whether he will or won't play. There needs to be a plan in mind ahead of that date because they can't scramble to come up with a decision and harm either their own or Team Canada's hopes.
That's on top of him leaving earlier for training camp and preparation, so that decision has to be made with the understanding that Toronto could let McKenna get more exposure at the cost of their season.
This could be a simple case of Hockey Canada knowing exactly what McKenna offers them and they don't need a second opinion, but the bigger question that comes up is whether Toronto can afford to lose their prized prospect for their toughest stretch of the season.
Do you think Gavin McKenna should be with Toronto or Team Canada this year during the World Juniors?
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