McKenna, 17, had 50 goals and 167 points in 72 games, including playoffs, last season for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. His commitment could signal a landmark shift in hockey development.

Gavin McKenna, who is widely expected to be the top pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, has reportedly committed to play for Penn State men’s hockey. The 17-year-old winger has been described as a “generational” talent coming out of the WHL,

The amount of high-end talent in the 2026 draft is exciting, although the lack of elite talent at premium positions is concerning.