A Draft to Remember
The 2026 NHL Draft saw a historic haul for Penn State hockey, with eight of its prospects hearing their names called across the seven rounds. The excitement was amplified by the selection of Gavin McKenna as the No. 1 overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking a milestone for the program.
Among the other draftees were Jaxon Cover, taken 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, and Caden Harvey, who went 180th to the Edmonton Oilers. Both players have committed to arriving in State College after completing their OHL eligibility, with Cover set to join in two years and Harvey following in 2027.
Pierce Mbuyi, the 86th overall selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins, will make his Penn State debut in the 2027‑28 season after a breakout year in the OHL that earned him Rookie of the Year honors. Quinn McKenzie, drafted 222nd by the New Jersey Devils, remains a question mark regarding his exact arrival timeline, though the coaching staff expects him for the 2026‑27 campaign.
A Towering Prospect
The draft also introduced Alexander Karmanov, a 7‑foot‑1 giant chosen 201st by the San Jose Sharks. Recognized as the tallest player ever drafted, Karmanov is projected to join Penn State in the 2028‑29 season, adding a unique presence to the roster.
Beyond the draft numbers, each prospect brings a distinct background. Cover grew up playing roller hockey in Grand Cayman before relocating to the United States, while Harvey, a native of Beaver, Pennsylvania, posted 11 goals and 23 assists for the Windsor Spitfires this season. Mbuyi’s 29‑goal, 23‑assist rookie campaign in the OHL highlighted his offensive prowess, and McKenzie’s future remains under discussion as the Devils evaluate his development.
The influx of talent underscores Penn State’s growing influence on the NHL pipeline. With commitments spanning the next three seasons, the Nittany Lions aim to translate these prospects’ junior successes into collegiate impact, potentially reshaping the program’s competitive edge in the Big Ten and beyond.