At just 17 years old, Gavin McKenna has skyrocketed into the spotlight as the projected No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. A Canadian-born forward playing junior hockey with the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), McKenna consistently delivers jaw-dropping stats, earning comparisons to Connor Bedard, Sidney Crosby, and other generational talents. His choice between Penn State and Michigan State for the 2025–26 season is set to shape the future of NCAA hockey—and perhaps his NHL career.
From the Yukon to WHL Stardom 🎯
McKenna, born December 20, 2007, in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, stands at a lean 5’11″ and 165 pounds. He debuted with the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2022, entering the league with exceptional status—a rare feat granted to only a select few, including Bedard and Matthew Savoie.
His performance has been nothing short of legendary:
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2023‑24: 97 points in 61 games; awarded WHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year.
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2024‑25: 41 goals and 88 assists across 56 games (129 points total); broke WHL’s modern-day point streak record at 40 games, which extended to 54 during playoffs.
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Led the Tigers to the WHL championship and a Memorial Cup finals berth, earning Playoff MVP honors and CHL Player of the Year.
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Internationally, he set a Canadian record with 16 points at the U18 Worlds and helped Canada win the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
He’s recognized as a “complete five-tool forward” with elite skating, shooting, playmaking, hockey IQ, and competitive drive.
NCAA vs. WHL: A Pivotal Decision
Fresh off his record-breaking junior season, McKenna faces a critical crossroads: return to the WHL or transition to NCAA hockey. New NCAA eligibility rules now allow CHL players to play college hockey, making this a watershed moment.
Top NCAA contenders include Penn State, Michigan State, Michigan, and Denver. After narrowing the field to two, Penn State and Michigan State emerged as finalists.
Why the NCAA Move Makes Sense
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Stronger development path: NCAA hockey offers top-tier training, off-ice development, and exposure to high-level competition—a critical proving ground before the NHL .
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Financial aid via NIL: With potential NIL value north of $200,000, NCAA options like Penn State offer both financial stability and visibility.
The Penn State vs. Michigan State Showdown
The recruitment battle between Penn State and Michigan State is fierce, with both programs offering top-tier benefits.
🦵 Penn State
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Rose to prominence with its first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2025.
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NIL packages and financial backing give them an edge in the recruitment battle .
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Already secured commitments from CHL talents like Jackson Smith and Pierce Mbuyi.
🍃 Michigan State
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A consistent Big Ten champion with elite talent like Isaac Howard and Trey Augustine
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Recently added Cayden Lindstrom—the fourth overall pick in 2025—to their roster, who played with McKenna in the WHL
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Head coach Adam Nightingale led MSU to back-to-back titles and is aggressively building another powerhouse squad
Insider Insight
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet weighs in:
"Informal straw poll… I would say Penn State. That’s who the favorite is… Nothing’s done until it’s done."
Several reports suggest a decision is imminent, expected in early July 2025
NHL Teams Watching Closely
With McKenna so likely to go No. 1 in 2026, NHL teams aren’t waiting around:
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San Jose Sharks: Already rebuilding with top picks, they’d love to pair McKenna with Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa Boston Bruins & Seattle Kraken: Teams with uncertain futures—landing McKenna would signal a franchise reset .
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Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks: All view 2026 draft as a potential turning point; McKenna would be a franchise cornerstone .
What McKenna’s Decision Means
For College Hockey
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Validates NCAA as a premier development path for elite Canadian juniors.
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Rutgers and Michigan State are now major NCAA contenders—and his commitment could tip the scales for future Canadian prospects
For his Career
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NCAA gives McKenna a year to adjust to stronger, older competition, fine-tune his physical game, and enhance maturity before the NHL .
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College exposure could raise his draft stock even higher and prepare him for immediate impact at the NHL level.
Looking Ahead: The 2025‑26 Season & Beyond
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NCAA season: His performance in college—against elite Big Ten competition—will be critical to shaping his final draft positioning.
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2026 NHL Draft: Barring injury or suspect play, McKenna is a near-certainty for 1st overall pick—he’s described as the best talent since Connor Bedard .
Scouts believe his hockey IQ, skill set, and competitive mentality project seamlessly into the NHL game.
keyword' Assessment, draft, commitment, prospect, landing spot, college hockey, generational talent,
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