The New York Islanders selected Matthew Schaefer at the top of the 2025 NHL Draft in late June. His selection brought a ton of hope to the franchise. And it also started a clock for rebuilding teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. Schaefer’s selection meant all eyes turned toward the 2026 NHL Draft and its top prospect, Gavin McKenna.
McKenna dominated with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers in 2024-25. He finished second in the WHL in terms of scoring with 129 points in 56 games. Only Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall ended the year with more points (132).
McKenna’s defining moment came during an otherworldly 54-game point streak that extended from the regular season into the WHL Playoffs. His performance helped the Tigers win the WHL Championship and make the final of the Memorial Cup, which is the top prize in Canadian major junior hockey.
McKenna will not return to the Tigers in 2025-26, though. The 2026 NHL Draft prospect is headed to the NCAA, as he has recently committed to play for Penn State hockey.
McKenna explained his decision after making his commitment official. He said that he felt Penn State was the best opportunity for him to continue his development as a player.
“It was a super tough decision,” McKenna said, via NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman. “Obviously there’s a lot of great options out there, but I think me, my family and everyone that was kind of part of my circle, we all decided the best spot for me next year will be Penn State University. Penn State is a great spot for me. I got to kind of get a taste of what it’s like there and got to bring along my dad, and we both thought it was a great spot for me.”
Penn State Hockey Has Landed Plenty of NHL Draft Talent
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesThe Penn State hockey program is on the rise, and Gavin McKenna’s commitment is proof.
McKenna is undoubtedly the most high-profile hockey prospect to join the collegiate ranks in the United States. And his decision to play for Penn State is a massive win for the program. It’s a program that is certainly gaining respect across the hockey world.
“I think it’s just a lot of work from a lot of people in the hockey program and the athletic department and the community, the alumni,” Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky said of the program’s rise, via Kimelman. “So many people that have been doing a lot of work for the program since its inception. I guess it’s just the law of the farm that you keep doing the job, and eventually you get rewarded for it.”
McKenna is far from the only NHL Draft star to take his talents to Happy Valley. Defenseman Jackson Smith, who went first-round in the 2025 draft to the Columbus Blue Jackets, is also committed to Penn State. Charlie Cerrato, a second-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes, is also a Nittany Lion. This sort of talent gives Penn State hockey good odds at competing for the national championship.
Gavin McKenna is Ready For Leap to NCAA
McKenna has to put his development as a player first. While he is the favorite to go No. 1 in the 2026 NHL Draft, he’s playing in a very talented class. There are other prospects who could very well challenge him for this spot if he stumbles.
McKenna believes moving to college is the best move for him. He cited the strength of the players he will face, as well as he different locker room nature, as reasons for his decision.
“I think [college] honestly just makes the jump [to the NHL] easier,” he said, via Kimelman. “Going against older, heavier, stronger guys, I think it really prepares you. I think even in the locker room, hanging around older guys and being around more mature guys, I think that will help me a lot in my first season.”
There is a lot of hype around McKenna heading into the 2025-26 season. And there are going to be more eyes on college hockey this upcoming year than in years past. Let’s see if he can live up to his expectations and lead Penn State hockey to a national championship.
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