Projected No. 1 2026 NHL Draft Pick Gavin McKenna Picks Penn State
Gavin McKenna, the projected first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has committed to Penn State University for the 2025-26 season. The 2025 CHL Player of the Year announced his decision on Tuesday\'s ESPN SportsCenter.
McKenna narrowed his choice to Penn State and Michigan State, with Denver and Michigan as other considerations. His commitment represents one of the biggest recruiting victories in college hockey history.
The Medicine Hat Tigers forward dominated the WHL over two seasons, recording 173 points across 76 regular-season, playoff and Memorial Cup games last season. He led the Tigers to a WHL championship while maintaining a 51-game point streak.
Rising Program Attracts Elite Talent
Penn State\'s emergence as a recruiting powerhouse reflects the changing landscape in college hockey. The Nittany Lions completed their first Frozen Four appearance and have assembled a loaded incoming class.
McKenna joins 2025 Blue Jackets first-rounder Jackson Smith and 2024 Flames draft pick Luke Misa in Penn State\'s freshman class. The program has made significant NIL investments to attract premier CHL talent.
Exceptional Prospect Profile
McKenna became the third-youngest CHL Player of the Year winner behind Sidney Crosby and John Tavares. Scouts project him as a potential superstar winger with elite offensive skills and skating ability.
\"He\'s an electric forward with truly elite skill and offensive sense. He\'s one of the most creative and skilled players I\'ve seen in recent years,\" wrote Scott Wheeler.
McKenna and top 2026 defenseman Keaton Verhoeff\'s college commitments signal a shift toward NCAA hockey among elite Canadian prospects entering their draft year.