Gavin McKenna is expected to make a surprising choice in the year leading up to his 2026 NHL Draft eligibility.
McKenna, a young Canadian superstar viewed as a generational talent and as next year's already-obvious No. 1 pick, wants to play a year of college hockey.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the latest, sharing on his podcast that McKenna is considering four different NCAA programs.
McKenna's choices, according to Friedman:
- Penn State
- Michigan State
- University of Michigan
- University of Denver
Friedman goes on to report that Penn State and Michigan State are the two favorites.
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McKenna has been playing with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.
In 56 games for the Tigers in 2024-25, McKenna had 129 points, including 41 goals. He added 38 points (nine goals) in 16 playoff games.
To put this in a bit of perspective: It'd be like if Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby had chosen to play college hockey in the year before they were drafted.
That's how highly McKenna is regarded. That's how huge a choice this is.
One college hockey program will gain tremendous notoriety with the commitment of McKenna, and the expectation will instantly rise to winning a national title.
It's not clear when McKenna may announce his commitment, but it pretty much has to be sooner rather than later given the summer is already upon us.
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