College Hockey Insider by Mike McMahon

College Hockey Insider by Mike McMahon

Western Thoughts: Is there a scenario where Gavin McKenna doesn't go No. 1 overall?

Also, more thoughts from the NCHC, Big Ten, and CCHA

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Mike McMahon
Nov 12, 2025
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Is there a scenario where Gavin McKenna doesn’t go No. 1 overall in next summer’s NHL Draft?

Yeah, I think so — even if it’s unlikely.

In this issue (#607), we’ll take a closer look at McKenna’s first month of college hockey and examine whether his early performance could influence his draft position.

Also in this issue:

  • Denver might be the best team in the NCHC after its weekend sweep of Western Michigan. How have the Pioneers managed it with so many new faces?

  • Kaidan Mbereko was outstanding for Colorado College against Arizona State on Saturday, while Samuel Urban impressed for the Sun Devils on Friday.

  • Thoughts on Wisconsin and Michigan splitting their weekend series.

  • Bemidji State is surging in the CCHA.

  • Michigan Tech continues to show notable improvement in several key areas.

Don’t forget, if you’re a subscriber, make sure you’re linked to my subscriber chat in the Substack app. I provide updates there in between newsletters. Yesterday you would have received notes on the Spengler Cup selection process as well as the two players selected.

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