Penn State's men's hockey program has announced the commitment of Ontario-born defenseman Kohyn Eshkawkogan to its 2027 recruiting class, a move that adds a highly touted blue‑liner to a roster already rich in talent.
Eshkawkogan spent the past two seasons with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League, where he recorded 73 points — 12 goals and 61 assists — over 120 games, showcasing both offensive flair and playmaking ability.
During the 2025‑26 regular season he ranked eighth among OHL defensemen with 53 points in 68 games and stood third in power‑play assists with 23, numbers that have drawn comparisons to top prospects in the league.
A timely addition
At 18 years old, Eshkawkogan will turn 18 in November and is slated to be eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, with current projections placing him between a late first and early second round selection.
His arrival comes as the Nittany Lions prepare to lose Jackson Smith, a key defenseman expected to depart for professional hockey after the 2026‑27 season, creating a clear opening on the blue line.
Projected role and impact
Coaches anticipate that Eshkawkogan will contend for a top‑pairing defenseman spot and could quarterback the power play, bringing a blend of size, skating and offensive vision to the lineup.
The 2027 recruiting class now stands at 12 commitments, including four defensemen and eight forwards, underscoring Penn State's balanced approach to building a competitive squad.
Beyond the on‑ice contributions, the addition of an OHL‑trained player also strengthens the program's ties to Canadian talent, a pipeline that has historically produced NHL‑ready defensemen.