Top NHL Prospect Gavin McKenna Picks Penn State

Gavin McKenna, the top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, has committed to Penn State, following a recent NCAA rule change that now allows Canadian Hockey League players to maintain NCAA eligibility. Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky has compared McKenna's creativity and hockey intelligence to Wayne Gretzky, and he plans a hands-off coaching approach to foster McKenna's talent. McKenna had a standout junior season with 129 points in 56 games, earning CHL Player of the Year honors as the third-youngest recipient after Sidney Crosby and John Tavares. Gadowsky emphasized the need for patience as the 17-year-old transitions to college hockey and life at Penn State. Joining other top recruits, McKenna's arrival comes after Penn State's historic Frozen Four appearance, boosting the program's national prominence. His decision is viewed as a landmark moment that could reshape the NCAA hockey landscape.