It's been a whirlwind few weeks for top 2026 draft prospect Gavin McKenna. After some legal trouble earlier this month, McKenna made a triumphant return to the ice, racking up eight points in a single game against Ohio State.
The Canadian winger, once seen as the clear frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick, has faced speculation about his draft standing. With the legal issues behind him and an uptick in performance, at least one team, the Chicago Blackhawks, seems to have a renewed interest.
According to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Blackhawks have noticed McKenna's improvement and no longer hold the skepticism they had earlier this season.
Interestingly, McKenna's previous felony charge, now dropped, is unlikely to impact his draft status. However, whether the Blackhawks can draft him remains uncertain, given their No. 27 position in the league standings.
They'd need some lottery luck to snag McKenna. Meanwhile, they also have their eyes on Canadian center Tynan Lawrence, another top prospect this year.
While Pope's insights are specific to the Blackhawks, they might reflect a broader sentiment among NHL scouts regarding McKenna's recent developments.
Shifting gears to the Central Division, St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas is a hot topic as the trade deadline approaches.
Listed as No. 5 on The Athletic’s trade board, Thomas is dealing with a recent injury that complicates potential trade scenarios. Blues head coach Jim Montgomery mentioned that Thomas had a "minor leg procedure," and while he skated on Friday, his full return is still up in the air.
Last season, Thomas was a powerhouse with 21 goals and 81 points in 70 games. This year, he's tallied 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games.
Veteran Blues winger Oskar Sundqvist is also facing an uncertain return after a minor procedure during the Olympic break. Skating alongside Thomas on Friday, Sundqvist is a reliable bottom-six contributor for the Blues, with 14 points in 43 games this season. His presence on both sides of special teams makes his return crucial for the team's depth.