Gavin McKenna recorded the highest VO2 max score at the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo while placing in the top five of the newly introduced isokinetic squat test.
McKenna’s Testing Edge
Gavin McKenna, ranked No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting’s final list of North American skaters, delivered the strongest aerobic result on the VO2 max spin bike test.
He also posted a top-five finish in the isokinetic squat test added this year to measure lower-body strength.
These marks stand in direct contrast to the experience of other prospects who described the Wingate cycle ergometer as physically draining under shouted encouragement.
North Bay Battalion center Ryder Cali noted the test translated anger from the administrators yelling into harder effort on the bike.
McKenna’s results place him ahead of peers who completed the same battery of new and traditional drills.
New Tests Highlight Speed and Strength
The league introduced the isokinetic squat test alongside a 10-meter sprint from a stationary start to evaluate explosiveness.
Owen Sound Attack right winger Cole Zurawski recorded the fastest sprint time of just under two seconds.
Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defenseman Xavier Villeneuve called the Wingate the toughest portion after completing the VO2 test the prior day.
Prince George Cougars right winger Kayden Lemire described the overall experience as surreal yet physically demanding.
The shift of the VO2 test to an earlier, media-free slot this year removed public observation that had occurred on the testing floor in previous cycles.
Interviews Add Layer Beyond Numbers
Teams supplemented fitness data with in-person interviews that included scenario-based and creative questions.
USA Hockey NTDP right winger Casey Mutryn faced a World War II destroyer dilemma asking whether to destroy a submarine at the cost of ten crew members.
Mutryn answered that the mission required destroying the submarine.
Boston University center Tynan Lawrence received a brick and one minute to list uses, responding with ideas such as building material or tool.
These exchanges occur as clubs finalize lists before the draft on June 26 and 27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.