Penn State men's hockey forward Gavin McKenna was the star at the NCAA level in 2025-26 that everyone had their eyes on. The projected No. 1 overall selection of the 2026 NHL Draft was a generational talent that head coach Guy Gadowsky got his hands on at least for one season.
Penn State was a one trick pony that got exposed in the NCAA Hockey Tournament
Following Friday night's loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the first round of the NCAA Hockey Tournament, McKenna spoke highly of the Nittany Lions, his first season, and his ultimate goals.
From his response in postgame media, it's evident that the Transfer Portal is not even something on his mind. Gadowsky and his Penn State squad just need to worry about McKenna jumping ship to the next level.
“I think, obviously, my goal is to play the NHL, and whether that happens next year or not, for what Penn State has done for me, I can't thank them enough, I can't thank the whole community of Penn State enough for what they've done for me, and I’m a Penn Stater for life," McKenna said after the game to reporters, per Evan Smith of WKPS The Lion 90.7fm.
Gavin McKenna after potentially his last game in a Nittany Lions uniform:
— Evan Smith (@EvanRGSmith) March 28, 2026
“I think, obviously, my goal is to play the NHL, and whether that happens next year or not, for what Penn State has done for me, I can't thank them enough, I can't thank the whole community of Penn State… pic.twitter.com/6Pe1XiF4c0
Gavin McKenna says his "goal is to play the NHL," pointing to potential of not returning to Penn State in 2026-27
Playing at the collegiate level for one season isn't unheard of, it's just not very common. For instance, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini was the 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner as a true freshman at 17 years old and spent just one season at Boston University before starting his NHL career.
McKenna can easily be on that same track, something that was known before he even stepped foot in Happy Valley. Due to his slower start at the beginning of the season followed by a sparked second half, a second NCAA season wouldn't hurt him.
If McKenna has the opportunity to play in the NHL immediately after getting drafted, it's silly thinking he won't do it.
However, the NHL is a faster, much more physical game. It's not something McKenna won't adapt to, but it's something that another year in college building up and getting stronger can significantly help prepare for.
McKenna had 51 points as a true freshman at Penn State on 15 goals and 36 assists over 35 games. He is is a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, earned the Big Ten Scoring Champion title, Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, and was named to the Big All-Freshman Team as the only unanimous selection and All-Big Second Team. He set nine program records as well.