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Sam Walker
February 6, 2026 (3:27 PM)
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images and Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gavin McKenna’s bond with cousin Connor Bedard is shaping his Penn State jump, and it’s a lot heavier than the 2026 NHL Draft hype.
McKenna walked into his first Penn State press conference knowing every answer would get clipped, shared, and judged.
He’s 18, he’s the projected top name for the 2026 NHL Draft, and he’s already living in the kind of spotlight most players never touch.
So he does what smart young stars do: he texts someone who’s already been chewed up by it, and a family member, Connor Bedard.
“We text each other if I ever need advice,” the at the time 17-year-old McKenna said during his first press conference with Penn State. “We’ve kind of been through similar things, so I think he’s a guy I can lean on. I’ve asked him for advice and fun things, and he’s obviously very good about that stuff and he’s willing to help me when I need.”
That’s not a casual flex; that’s a plan to focus on handling the media.
McKenna revealed he and Bedard are indeed family, but not as close as many assumed before.
“It’s like eighth cousins,” McKenna said.
Gavin McKenna’s assault could change things for Penn State Nittany Lions
McKenna arrives from the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers after a jaw-dropping 129 points (41-88) in 56 games.
He’s also done damage for Canada, including 10 goals and 10 assists in seven games at U18.
For Penn State, it’s a chance to turn the loud outside noise into wins.
Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider
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Gavin McKenna leans on family member Connor Bedard for advice this season
Should Gavin McKenna’s Connor Bedard connection help him at Penn State this season?