The Penn State Nittany Lions men’s hockey team just landed arguably the biggest piece of talent in the program’s history: Gavin McKenna.

Widely believed to be the clear #1 overall 2026 NHL Draft pick, McKenna is considered to be the best Canadian-born prospect since since Connor Bedard, and he announced this week he will sign play for Penn State.

In doing so, Gavin McKenna is about to become the highest-paid hockey player in NCAA Hockey history if reports are to be believed.

Penn State Men’s Hockey Set To Make Gavin McKenna Highest-Paid College Skater Ever

Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects was among the first reporters to break the news that the #1 prospect was headed to PSU. Then after the initial announcement more reports came to light…

Hockey Valley Horizons (on X) reported that Penn State Men’s Hockey won the McKenna lottery over rival Michigan due to offering more NIL compensation.

According to HVH, the University of Michigan offer was in the “200-300K range” while Penn State Men’s Hockey is set to make Gavin McKenna an offer that is being called the “richest in college hockey history” and estimated to be “in the neighborhood of 700K.”

The timing is right

McKenna will almost certainly only spend one year in NCAA Hockey before being taken #1 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He is in ‘win now’ mode and his college selection reflects that.

Penn State is coming off a Frozen Four appearance in 2025, the program’s 4th NCAA tournament appearance. But the Nittany Lions have not won the Big 10 Conference Tournament since 2017 and haven’t won the regular season since 2020.

This could be their year. It should be their year. Gavin McKenna is a freak on two skates and capable of maneuvers mere mortals could never even comprehend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BsXPhzO9lw

Gavin is the #1 ranked prospect by Elite Prospects, Consolidate Rankings, Daily Faceoff, Flohockey/Chris Peters, and Draft Prospects Hockey. His ‘Player Type’ profile is incredible as well…

On Elite Prospects, Gavin McKenna is listed as a “cerebral tactician” as well a “heavy shooter” and “offensive forward.”

This is the missing piece for Penn State. A generational talent looking to solidify his status as the #1 overall prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft.

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