The number of college hockey commitments from OHL, QMJHL and WHL players to the NCAA is steadily on the rise.
Penn State has reportedly aligned itself by capitalizing on its NIL pot to garner from the recent Frozen Four appearance. For the Nittany Lions, this has been key as the NCAA voted to open up eligibility to Canadian hockey players, which begins on August 1, 2025.
This news is especially relevant for the newest Penn State commit, Gavin McKenna.
What Is Gavin McKenna Worth to Penn State?
McKenna announced on Tuesday night on ESPN’s SportsCenter his decision to commit to Penn State University, marking the biggest decision since the NCAA rule change.
Breaking: Projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft Gavin McKenna has officially announced his commitment to Penn State for the 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/JFtxHG2VrW
— ESPN (@espn) July 8, 2025
According to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, McKenna was given around $700,000 USD or $1 million CAD. This is apparently the biggest package ever given to a college hockey player in NIL.
At 17 years old, McKenna is the projected No. 1 overall selection of the 2026 NHL Draft. Many outlets consider him the highest-profile recruit in NCAA hockey history, which is reflected by the amount of NIL money the Nittany Lions gave him.
“After two unforgettable seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers, I’m very excited to continue my hockey career at Penn State,” McKenna told ESPN. “I feel this is the next step in my development to reach my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL, and I am excited to get to Happy Valley. I’m very appreciative for all the support I’ve received so far, especially to my family who has been with me through it all.”
The 6-foot winger scored 129 points (41 goals, 88 assists) in 56 games, including a 40-game points streak, for the Hat Tigers last season as he led his team to its first WHL title since 2007 and a trip to the Memorial Cup final against the London Knights.
A native of Whitehorse, Yukon, McKenna is a member of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation. He was also the 2024 CHL Player of the Year and was the third-youngest to win the honor behind league greats Sidney Crosby and John Tavares.
He will join Penn State, which has been a Division I program since the 2012-13 season. This past year’s Frozen Four appearance (a loss to Boston University) was the program’s first in history.
It’ll be interesting to see how the youngster fits in.
