NHL Rookie Roundtable: Gavin McKenna and Top Picks Reveal Pregame Obsessions

Top prospects including Gavin McKenna and Trey Augustine gathered at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase to discuss career goals and pregame routines.

NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh and 17-year veteran Kyle Okposo led the NHLPA Rookie Showcase in Chicago, emphasizing a new era of player visibility. The event featured high-profile prospects including 2026 No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna of the Toronto Maple Leafs and 2023 No. 41 pick Trey Augustine of the Detroit Red Wings. Augustine revealed a strict pregame routine centered on consuming a banana before every game, while McKenna remains committed to a green biscuit stick-handling drill he has performed since his junior hockey career.

On the ice, Washington Capitals prospect Cole Hutson recalled his first career goal where Alexander Ovechkin reacted with more excitement than the scorer himself. Hutson noted he missed an open Ovechkin on the play due to intense focus. Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks rookie Sacha Boisvert, the No. 18 pick in 2024, detailed his first NHL fight against Will Borgen. The altercation began with second-period cross-checks behind the net and culminated in a third-period scrap intended to shift game momentum.

Player Attributes and Performance Goals

When asked to define their ideal on-ice reputation, rookies focused on specific skill sets. Gavin McKenna stated he wants observers to conclude that he is "going to be a player," while Detroit’s Trey Augustine hopes to be described as "in control." Justin Carbonneau, the No. 19 pick for the St. Louis Blues in 2025, identified as an offensive forward who prioritizes finishing hits and blocking shots.

Prospects also identified elite traits they would steal from current NHL stars. McKenna selected Auston Matthews’ shot for its release and power. Carter Bear, the No. 13 pick in 2025, chose Connor McDavid’s speed, while Andrew Cristall (No. 40, 2023) weighed the benefits of McDavid’s skating against Ovechkin’s legendary one-timer. Cole Hutson specifically targeted the hands of Ivan Demidov as a desired attribute.

Pregame Rituals and Superstitions

Routine consistency varies among the league's newest talent. Charlie Cerrato, the No. 49 pick in 2025, admitted to a six-game streak of wearing the same black suit during his freshman year at Penn State following wins. In contrast, Cole Hutson claims his only superstition is not being superstitious, though he maintains a pregame nap that ranges from 30 minutes to four hours. Porter Martone, the No. 6 pick in 2025, also prioritizes a three-hour shut down before puck drop.

Equipment preparation is a primary focus for Bill Zonnon and Justin Carbonneau. Zonnon, the No. 22 pick in 2025 for the Pittsburgh Penguins, re-tapes his sticks every period to ensure perfection. Carbonneau applies four or five layers of tape to his sticks, describing them as his essential tools for scoring. Andrew Cristall recently added a three-minute ice bath to his arrival routine at the rink, while James Hagens, the No. 7 pick in 2025, listens to Sam Barber to prepare for competition.

Draft Stories and Financial Firsts

Memorable moments often involve established NHL veterans. James Hagens described the shock of receiving a FaceTime call from David Pastrnak on draft night. Roman Kantserov, the No. 44 pick in 2023, expressed the significance of joining the Chicago Blackhawks after growing up watching Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin. Bill Zonnon highlighted the leadership of Sidney Crosby, who personally checked on Zonnon’s injury status daily during training camp.

Financial priorities for the rookies range from investments to family gifts. Sacha Boisvert purchased an entry-level watch to commemorate his first contract. Justin Carbonneau plans to fund a family trip to Switzerland, where they previously lived for two years. While Trey Augustine and Carter Bear intend to buy gifts or vacations for their parents, Gavin McKenna admitted his early spending has been dominated by Uber Eats orders as he learns to cook while living independently.