It is known that Gavin McKenna is likely to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. However, his future playing location next season is currently uncertain, although a new serious contender for the talented Medicine Hat Tigers star seems to have emerged. All eyes are on the 17-year-old Whitehorse native, who could either stay in the WHL or move to the NCAA thanks to a new rule allowing CHL players to compete in U.S. college hockey.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, speaking on the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Penn State University has become a major contender for McKenna. Friedman noted that based on his informal poll of hockey sources, Penn State is the favorite, though the final decision is not yet made. He also reported that the WHL hopes McKenna will stay, while the player also plans to visit several U.S. universities.
For Penn State, traditionally strong in American football, the move to NCAA Division I hockey in the 2012-13 season was made possible by financial support from alumnus and Buffalo Sabres/Bills owner Terry Pegula. This season, the team reached the Frozen Four for the first time. Attracting a player of McKenna`s caliber would be a significant boost for Penn State. McKenna finished the season by leading the Tigers to the Memorial Cup final, during which a tweet with a Penn State emoji garnered attention.
His Medicine Hat teammate Cayden Lindstrom, also a highly-rated prospect, recently confirmed his commitment to play for Michigan State, another Big Ten conference team. The University of Michigan, also from the Big Ten, has attracted other top CHL players, including 2025 NHL draft prospect Malcolm Spence and Calgary Flames prospect Henry Mews.
Update on Alex Pietrangelo`s Health
Vegas Golden Knights star defenseman Alex Pietrangelo withdrew from Canada`s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off in late January due to health issues and the need to prepare for the remainder of the season. The 35-year-old Pietrangelo (6`3″) helped Vegas reach the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but his high-intensity playing style is physically taxing.
Olympic teams are expected to name their first six players this month, and Pietrangelo is certainly a candidate for Team Canada. However, questions remain regarding his physical condition. Friedman noted that at this time of year, teams are analyzing their future rosters and potential injury concerns. “Let`s see what happens with Pietrangelo. I hope he`s healthy and ready to go, but it sounds like there`s at least a possibility they are trying to assess his condition for the start of next season,” Friedman said.
Dallas Stars Coaching Search
The Dallas Stars` decision to fire coach Peter DeBoer was unexpected after the team reached the Western Conference Final, but his harsh comments towards goalie Jake Oettinger and the subsequent events seemingly led to a change in plans. Friedman reported that the club likely initially intended to keep DeBoer for the final year of his contract without an extension, but ultimately made a different decision on Friday.
Who will be the next person to lead a team that is a perennial Cup contender? According to Friedman, Stars GM Jim Nill is considering several candidates and might settle on a familiar name. One likely candidate is Neil Graham, who is in his sixth year coaching the Stars` AHL affiliate. The Texas Stars are currently competing in the AHL Western Conference Final against the Abbotsford Canucks.
Friedman noted that last year, Neil Graham was a finalist in the coaching search in San Jose. He also heard that other NHL teams had inquired about interviewing Graham for coaching positions, not necessarily head coach roles. Dallas will have to make a decision regarding him at some point. Another potential candidate is Edmonton Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan, who previously served as the head coach for Dallas (2011-13) and the Calgary Flames. Friedman wouldn`t be surprised if Gulutzan is part of this process, given his experience and current role (including running Edmonton`s power play in the Stanley Cup Final), as well as his history with Dallas.
Trent Frederic`s Future with Oilers
When the Oilers acquired Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins before the trade deadline, he was considered a rental. However, Friedman reports that there is now active discussion about the Oilers potentially keeping the player, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the Stanley Cup Final.
“There are rumors circulating that Trent Frederic might be sticking around,” he said. “I don`t think we`ll find out during the Final; they have more important things to worry about. But that`s something I heard around the building tonight.” The 6`3″ forward has one goal and three assists in 18 playoff games this year.
Buffalo Sabres Buzz
The Buffalo Sabres are in the midst of a 14-year playoff drought, and general manager Kevyn Adams is under immense pressure to turn the situation around. At the NHL Scouting Combine this week, there was active discussion about the Sabres potentially making significant moves.
Friedman mentioned that several of Buffalo`s core players have made it clear they want to see improvement in the standings. This is why Buffalo might not hesitate to trade prospects for immediate help. “People keep telling me I need to watch the Sabres,” Friedman said.