Gavin McKenna, expected number-one overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft, could play in NCAA for Penn State next year

Could the Future No. 1 NHL Pick Play for Penn State?

Gavin McKenna, who is a 17 year old forward for the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Medicine Hat Tigers and projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, may play a year at the NCAA level with Penn State, according to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman.  With rumors swirling about where Gavin McKenna will play hockey next year, @FriedgeHNIC said many are pointing to Penn State “I asked a bunch of people around, and said, ‘If you …

Gavin McKenna, expected number-one overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft, could play in NCAA for Penn State next year

Gavin McKenna is one of the most talked-about prospects in hockey, and he hasn’t even been drafted yet. The 17-year-old forward is far and away the consensus number-one overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, but where he will play in his draft year is still to be determined. McKenna has spent the past three seasons in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, recording 129 points (41g, 88a) in 56 games last season. While he could stick around for …