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Gavin McKenna Facing Tough Ultimatum Ahead of His Draft: He Could Force His Way to Pittsburgh
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders
One of the top future players of the NHL, Gavin McKenna, is set to be drafted next summer, and there are rumblings that he may only want to play for the Penguins.
Gavin McKenna, who will likely be the No. 1 draft selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, broke big news on Tuesday that he will commit to Penn State University.
Only 17 years old, Gavin McKenna is already likely the most high-profile recruit in NCAA hockey history.
The 6-foot winger recently committed himself to Penn State, as he was deciding between them and Michigan State this past weekend. NHL scouts have hyped McKenna's star potential, frequently likened to Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini.
Many believe Gavin McKenna will be the next Patrick Kane
McKenna's game most draws comparison to Patrick Kane, one NHL executive, who spoke to ESPN, revealed.
A year ago, McKenna registered 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games for the Hat Tigers, including a 40-game scoring streak. His season led his team to their first WHL championship since 2007 and all the way to the Final of the Memorial Cup.
His remarkable season gave him the CHL Player of the Year award, which made him just the third-youngest winner of this award, following Sidney Crosby and John Tavares.
McKenna's decision is a history-making turnaround in college hockey, following a significant rule change just a month ago that will allow CHL players their first-ever opportunity to compete in college hockey.
Now that Penn State's got McKenna, just a few hours away from Pittsburgh, there's speculation that he'd one day dream of sporting a Penguins jersey.
But NHL insider Josh Yohe gave that rumor its cold storage burial, saying that he couldn't imagine McKenna pursuing an Eric Lindros route and not wanting to wear anyone's jersey but one.
What's stopping Gavin McKenna from pulling an Eli Manning/Jaromir Jagr move next year and only wanting to play for the Pens? I'm sure he'd love to play alongside an idol like Sid. -@KOkal_
Gotta love where your mind is. Do it, kid!
Eric Lindros is the last person I can think of who did this, as he didn't want to play in Quebec and ultimately got his wish by going to Philadelphia. This didn't particularly work out for Lindros, who never won a Cup and missed out on a decade-plus of living the good life in beautiful Denver.
I just don't see it happening. It's frowned upon in the NHL and we don't know that the kid wants to play in Pittsburgh. I'm sure he'd be perfectly happy with it, but who knows? Maybe Chicago gets the top pick. It's a heck of a fun town. Lots of things can happen between now and then.
Gotta love where your mind is. Do it, kid!
Eric Lindros is the last person I can think of who did this, as he didn't want to play in Quebec and ultimately got his wish by going to Philadelphia. This didn't particularly work out for Lindros, who never won a Cup and missed out on a decade-plus of living the good life in beautiful Denver.
I just don't see it happening. It's frowned upon in the NHL and we don't know that the kid wants to play in Pittsburgh. I'm sure he'd be perfectly happy with it, but who knows? Maybe Chicago gets the top pick. It's a heck of a fun town. Lots of things can happen between now and then.
Even then, Yohe stated, "Who knows?" That is sure to keep the pot warm somewhat.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 153 ANSWERS Gavin McKenna Facing Tough Ultimatum Ahead of His Draft: He Could Force His Way to Pittsburgh Do you believe Gavin McKenna only wants to play for Pittsburgh? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 52.3 % |
| No | 73 | 47.7 % |
| List of polls | ||