The Chicago Blackhawks, despite their desire to see young players take over the franchise, are likely to be near the bottom of the Central Division once again in 2025-26. Another development year means another high draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
That means a chance at Gavin McKenna, who many have deemed a generational talent. The hype that surrounds McKenna is similar, if not more, to that of Connor Bedard during the 2022-23 season. Oddly enough, they are related through marriage.
A new rule allows players to leave the CHL when they become of age to play college hockey if they desire. For months now, we’ve known that McKenna was going to do that, but nobody knew where he’d land. Now, we have our answer.
McKenna, as he announced on ESPN, will be leaving the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL to go to Penn State University. He will play in the Big Ten, which annually pumps out incredible teams that have a chance to win it all.
In 2024-25, McKenna had 41 goals and 88 assists for 129 points in 59 games. Going back to Medicine Hat won’t do him much good in terms of development. He proved that he’s beyond the WHL at this point.
In the NCAA, McKenna will be able to work out more frequently, play on weekends, and compete against stiffer competition. He will be fully prepared for his rookie NHL season in 2026-27, which will be with the team that wins the lottery next spring.
The Blackhawks are one of the teams with their eyes on McKenna. They have young stars like the aforementioned Bedard, along with guys like Frank Nazar and Anton Frondell. Their forward core organizationally is much thinner than their defense, so McKenna would be the perfect fit.
Penn State is not only adding McKenna. They have Michael Misa’s brother Luke Misa coming in, along with Jackson Smith, who the Columbus Blue Jackets just selected 14th overall. Plenty of talent is there to build off each other and form a National Championship caliber team.
All season long, McKenna and Penn State will be exposed with nationally televised games. All of the NHL teams, including the Blackhawks, who may be in the sweepstakes, now know that they can scout McKenna playing for a great program.
