The early predictions for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft were that Gavin McKenna would be the far-and-away top prize for whoever won the lottery. It put the non-contending NHL teams into a tough spot, because it's a massive risk to tank the season for a top prize when finishing dead last still only gives you a 25.5% chance of getting the first pick.
The good news for the non-contending teams is that McKenna's place at the top isn't as guranteed as it may have been last season. He has had a slower start after his move to the NCAA, and there are a couple of other prospects who are emerging as elite pieces.