Top 2026 NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna says he's committing to Penn State
Gavin McKenna said he is committing to Penn State, leaving the Canadian Hockey League for the U.S. college ranks in a long-anticipated decision by one of the sport’s most anticipated prospects since Connor McDavid.
McKenna’s jump highlights how much the junior developmental hockey landscape has changed in North America since the NCAA’s landmark decision in November to lift its ban on CHL player participation.
After word of McKenna’s destination leaked Monday, he made the announcement on “SportsCenter” on Tuesday. It coincidentally came 15 years to the day of “The Decision” when LeBron James revealed on ESPN he was leaving Cleveland for Miami.
“It was a super tough decision,” McKenna said, before putting on a Penn State hat.
McKenna, who doesn’t turn 18 until December, is regarded a generational talent and has for the past two years been projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft.
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