Is It Too Early for a Gavin McKenna Watch?
The 2026 draft class has been highly anticipated for years and is considered one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. Leading this class is Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, regarded by many as the top prospect and a potential franchise cornerstone.
Numerous teams are positioning themselves to compete for McKenna’s talents. One such team that could soon join the race is the St. Louis Blues.
St. Louis Blues’ Current Season Struggles
The 2025-26 season has not met expectations for the Blues or their supporters. With a 4-8-2 record, earning only 10 points, they currently sit at the bottom of the Central Division. Their recent form has been troublesome, having lost eight of their last nine games.
Debate on Tanking for McKenna
Due to their disappointing performance, some suggest the Blues should consider tanking to improve their chances of drafting McKenna. However, it may be premature to write off the season entirely.
Positive Indicators Despite Poor Results
Although their record is underwhelming, the Blues’ offense shows significant promise. Key offensive metrics reveal that the team has generated scoring opportunities:
- Corsi percentage: 50.51%
- Expected Goals For (xGF) percentage: 53.39%
These numbers suggest the Blues have controlled possession and chance creation but have struggled to convert these chances into goals.
"They have just not been able to capitalize on these chances. However, if they can continue to create these chances, they will start to convert them and score more goals."
Outlook
The Blues’ ability to sustain offensive opportunities offers hope of improvement, making it too early to abandon the 2025-26 season in favor of rebuilding through the draft.
Author’s summary: Despite a rocky start, the St. Louis Blues' solid offensive metrics suggest potential for improvement, making it premature to focus solely on drafting Gavin McKenna.