NCAA Stars Eyeing NHL: McKenna, Martone, Castagna

0:00It's March 29th, from game day to every day, this is NHL News Today, powered by AI. Top NCAA hockey prospects, Gavin McKenna, Porter-Martone, and Jonathan Castanja just wrapped up their college seasons as the national tournament roles. On, and their paths to pro hockey are lighting up fast. McKenna, the 18-year-old left-winger from Penn State, toured up as a freshman with 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games, tying for third in the nation. His teams run ended early against Minnesota Duluth, but insiders say he's likely headed to the world championship with team Canada this summer, following big names like Jack Hughes and Austin Matthews before the 2026 draft. Shifting to Martone, the 19-year-old right-winger led Michigan State with 25 goals and 50 points, ranking high nationally, despite their overtime playoff loss. Jack did six overall by the Philadelphia Flyers last year, he's on the verge of signing an entry-level deal, possibly in the next day or two, and could jump straight into their

1:04lineup as they chase a wild card spot. Then there's Castanja, the 20-year-old center from Cornell, who just finished his junior year with 15 goals and 34 points, traded to the Calgary Flames and a deal from McKinsey Wigar. He's not a first-round pick like the others, but the Flames send reps to chat, and there's real buzz about landing him on an entry-level contract soon. These moves show how the NCAA is a quick launch pad to the NHL show, with McKinna-Iing International Shine, Martone boosting Philly's stretch run, and Castanja closing in on Calgary. Keep watching as these young guns level up.