Future Prospects Unveiled for McKenna, Martone, and Castagna

The NCAA season is wrapping up for most teams. Several top NHL prospects now face short-term decisions about their next steps.

McKenna’s busy offseason ahead

Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna still awaits the NHL Draft in June. Filmogaz.com’s Elliotte Friedman reported McKenna is likely to join Canada at the world hockey championship in Switzerland this May.

Penn State exited the NCAA tournament with a first-round loss to Minnesota Duluth on Friday. McKenna finished fourth in NCAA scoring with 51 points, tallying 15 goals and 36 assists in 35 games. He remains a contender to be selected first overall.

Martone could sign with Flyers

Michigan State freshman Porter Martone is eligible to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Spartans fell in overtime to Wisconsin in a regional final on Saturday.

Martone produced 49 points this season, with 25 goals and 24 assists in 34 games. He was taken sixth overall by the Flyers in last year’s NHL Draft. Friedman noted, “People just said this one could move very quickly,” and added negotiations could occur within 24 to 48 hours.

Castagna linked to Calgary

Calgary has the option to add Cornell forward Jonathan Castagna after Cornell lost to Denver in the first round on Friday. The Flames acquired Castagna’s rights in the MacKenzie Weegar deal with the Utah Mammoth.

Castagna compiled 15 goals and 19 assists over 34 games this season. Friedman said, “There’s a lot of optimism here that something’s going to get done.”

Outlook

These developments highlight the changing landscape for elite college players. Future prospects for McKenna, Martone, and Castagna will shape team plans this offseason.