Next Generation Draft Talent: Connor Bedard's Cousin

Connor Bedard is not the only family member making a name for themselves in the hockey world.

His cousin, Gavin McKenna, is also gaining recognition as a forward for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.

This season, McKenna has played 43 games and has amassed an impressive 65 points.




In January, the 17-year-old seized the opportunity to shine when 2024 draft-eligible WHL player, Cayden Lindstrom, was absent.

If McKenna continues to perform at this level, he could become one of the best prospects in his draft class and even surpass his cousin's achievements.

Gavin McKenna in January:

• 12 games
• 10 goals
• 19 assists (12 primaries)
• 46 SOG
• 8 multi-point games
• Goals 36-11 in his minutes #2026NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/p4niFeBxG1— Mitchell Brown (@MitchLBrown) February 5, 2024

However, there is still some time before we see both McKenna and Bedard on the ice together, as McKenna will not be eligible for the draft until 2026.

For now, we can observe and compare their junior careers when the time comes. Bedard's career in the WHL was cut short due to the pandemic, but he still managed to finish his final year in the draft with an impressive 143 points.

McKenna is on track to have a season with 93 points, which is just 7 points shy of Bedard's total points in his second WHL season. While Bedard is known for his hockey IQ and exceptional shooting skills, McKenna is known for his playmaking abilities, using his skating skills and on-ice vision to create opportunities for himself and his team.

As we wait for Bedard's NHL career to progress and McKenna's WHL career to develop, it will be interesting to compare the two cousins' achievements in the long run. It's safe to say that the Bedard and McKenna families are an elite hockey family.

As Seen On: hockeyotb.com