How Gavin McKenna Prepared For Tough Questions At The NHL Draft Combine: 'It's How You Manage These Things'

In preparation for the NHL draft combine, where prospects compete to see how many chin-ups, push-ups and other standardized exercises they can perform, Gavin McKenna spent weeks working out with a trainer in Kelowna, B.C.

But the projected first-overall pick also spent time with a former actor and comedian in an attempt to master the art of the in-person interview.

Steve Shenbaum, whose acting credits include minor roles in Space Jam, American Pie 2 and Big Fat Liar, is now a nationally recognized expert on communication with Game On and is a consultant for the NBA pre-draft and rookie transition programs. For the past couple of years, Shenbaum has been training prospects on not only what to say - but also how to say it.

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If there are concerns, it might stem from a January incident where McKenna allegedly got into a fight after leaving a bar and broke another man's jaw.

Initially, McKenna was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault, but prosecutors later withdrew that charge. McKenna still faces a second-degree misdemeanor charge of simple assault, a summary offense of harassment (subject other to physical contact) and a summary offense of disorderly conduct (engage in fighting).

The charges have not been proven in court at this time. A judge granted a delay in the case earlier this week, as McKenna's legal counsel sought additional time for discovery and to engage in resolution discussions with the district attorney's office, according to WJACTV.com.

Earlier this week, a judge signed a continuance in the case, with McKenna's legal counsel citing the reason for the requested delay as "additional time is needed for discovery and to engage in resolution discussions with district attorney's office."

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Chances are, the teams that McKenna met with this week in Buffalo asked him about that incident and for his side of the story. If so, McKenna was more than prepared for it.

"He knows how to manage these questions. He's not going too deep in the case," said Brisson. "He was charged with a misdemeanor. We know a lot more what occurred, and we're comfortable with him doing what he's doing right now. We also have to be respectful with the situation and go by the law itself."

For some teams, what McKenna experienced might not have necessarily been viewed as a negative. Whether it's an on-ice mistake or an off-ice incident, every player and every person has had something in their lives that could have derailed them. It's what you gain from the experience and the lessons learned.

"In life in general, you have obstacles at times," said Brisson. "It's how you manage these things. We all learn from our actions. I've seen a kid grow before my eyes. The other day, he was doing an interview with Sportsnet, and his posture - you could see the progression, the confidence.

"Those are little things."

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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 11:29 AM.