McKenna: College Decision – 2026 NBA Draft Prospect
Connor Bedard Comparisons Abound for WHL Star Sam McKenna
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Sam McKenna is generating significant buzz as a potential top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, drawing comparisons to generational talents like Connor Bedard. The 18-year-old forward recently completed a dominant season in the Western Hockey League, and is now poised to begin his NCAA career at Penn state. Scouts are already highlighting his exceptional skillset and projecting a rapid ascent to NHL impact.
Dominating the WHL and Earning Top Honors
McKenna’s junior career culminated in a remarkable 2023-24 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Despite a heartbreaking 4-1 loss to london in the Memorial Cup championship game – were he scored his team’s lone goal – McKenna’s individual accolades speak volumes. He was awarded both the Four Broncos Trophy as WHL Player of the Year and the prestigious CHL David Branch Player of the Year Award.
This places him in elite company, becoming only the third-youngest player to receive the CHL honor, following in the footsteps of NHL superstars John Tavares (2006-07) and Sidney crosby (2003-04), both of whom were 16 at the time of their awards.
McKenna’s offensive prowess was undeniable. He shattered modern WHL records with a remarkable 40-game regular-season point streak,amassing 100 points (32 goals,68 assists). This momentum carried into the playoffs, extending his point streak to an astounding 54 games (137 points; 40 goals, 97 assists) – a modern CHL record (as 2000) for consecutive games with a point, encompassing regular season, playoffs, and the Memorial Cup.
Transitioning to penn State and a Strong Nittany Lions Squad
McKenna’s next challenge comes in the form of NCAA hockey with Penn State. The Nittany Lions are a program on the rise, having reached the Frozen Four for the first time in program history last season. They defeated Connecticut 3-2 in overtime to win their regional final before falling to Boston University 3-1 in the national semifinals.
Penn State boasts a roster already brimming with talent. Defenseman jackson Smith,a first-round pick (No. 14) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 NHL Draft, will bolster the blue line. Up front, forward Charlie Cerrato, selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round (No. 49) of the 2025 NHL draft,is expected to return after a strong showing with 42 points (15 goals,27 assists) in 38 games. cerrato is only the second Penn State player ever drafted into the NHL, and the first since Denis Smirnov in 2017.
Michigan State’s dominance and Rising Stars
The Big Ten conference is also showcasing top talent, notably with Michigan State. The Spartans have dominated the conference for the past two seasons, finishing first in the regular season and winning the conference tournament both years.
Leading the charge for Michigan State is forward Isaac Howard, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and the 2024 hobey Baker Trophy winner as the most outstanding men’s NCAA hockey player. howard finished fifth in NCAA scoring with 52 points (26 goals, 26 assists) in 37 games.
Goaltender Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings), who has been a starter for the past two seasons and secured a gold medal with the United States at both the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Championships, adds further strength to the Spartans’ lineup.
The “Five-Tool” Prospect: NHL Scouting Report
NHL Central Scouting is exceptionally high on McKenna’s potential. Associate director David Gregory believes McKenna’s trajectory is “generational,” comparing his growth at 18 to that of other players who made immediate impacts in the NHL.
“When you compare where he is at the same age to some of these other players to get to the NHL as 18-year-olds and have an impact, he’s on that same path,” Gregory stated. He emphasized McKenna’s well-rounded skillset,highlighting his intelligence,skating ability,and competitiveness as his three strongest attributes.
“We don’t use the term ‘five-tool player’ in hockey as much as you hear it used in other sports, but McKenna’s one of those guys. He’