Penn State hockey’s offseason continues to bring major movement, from a new high-end commitment to another NHL contract and a projected No. 1 overall draft pick leading national boards.
Four-star Marco Mignosa commits to Penn State
Penn State added another major piece to its future roster with the commitment of four-star forward Marco Mignosa, a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick who spent the past five seasons with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League. Mignosa announced his commitment to Penn State last week and is expected to join the Nittany Lions for the 2026-27 season.
Mignosa gives Penn State another proven junior scorer. The 2005-born winger is coming off a standout season with the Greyhounds, posting 89 points in 65 regular-season games, plus 17 more points in 10 playoff games. Over his OHL career, Mignosa totaled 116 goals and 173 assists in 303 games.
The Soo Greyhounds also carry some serious hockey history. They are the same OHL franchise once played for by Wayne Gretzky, giving Mignosa a notable connection to one of junior hockey’s most recognizable pipelines.
His commitment also strengthens what is already a nationally relevant Penn State recruiting group. The Nittany Lions currently hold the No. 13 recruiting class in the country, according to College Puck.
For Penn State, Mignosa profiles as an experienced, offensively skilled winger who should have a chance to compete for meaningful minutes quickly.
PuckPreps describes him as a four-star player, and his production in the OHL gives the Nittany Lions another high-upside forward option as Guy Gadowsky’s program continues to build around premium young talent.
Charlie Cerrato inks multi-year NHL deal with Carolina
Sophomore forward Charlie Cerrato became the latest Nittany Lion to turn pro, signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, the club announced Tuesday morning.
Cerrato becomes the 16th player in Penn State program history to sign an NHL contract and the fourth this year. He joins Aiden Fink, who signed with Nashville; Matt DiMarsico, who signed with Colorado; and Kevin Reidler, who signed with Ottawa.
Carolina selected Cerrato in the second round, 49th overall, in the 2025 NHL Draft. After Penn State’s season ended, he joined the Chicago Wolves, Carolina’s AHL affiliate, on an amateur tryout while continuing to rehab a late-season injury. Cerrato made his professional debut in the Wolves’ first Calder Cup playoff game in April.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“I’m extremely happy for Chuck and incredibly proud of his story,” Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky said. “He was passed over twice in the NHL draft before arriving at Penn State, then after his freshman year got drafted by Carolina in the second round, and signed a contract after his sophomore season. His extreme competitiveness will always be a part of Penn State Hockey and we look forward to seeing that in the NHL!”
Cerrato leaves Penn State with one of the most productive offensive resumes in program history. He finished his Nittany Lion career with 22 goals and 47 assists for 69 points in 61 games, good for a 1.13 points-per-game average, the third-best mark in program history.
“I just want to say thank you to Penn State and Penn State Hockey,” Cerrato said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program. The coaching staff has pushed me every day and helped me grow both on and off the ice. I appreciate all the time, support, and belief they’ve showed in me.”
Cerrato also thanked his teammates, calling Penn State’s locker room “special” and adding, “Penn State for life!”
Other former Nittany Lions who have signed NHL contracts following their time at Penn State include Arsenii Sergeev, Alex Limoges, Aarne Talvitie, Peyton Jones, Cole Hults, Evan Barratt, Nate Sucese, Brandon Biro, Andrew Sturtz, Casey Bailey, Eamon McAdam and Vince Pedrie.
Gavin McKenna remains at the top of NHL draft boards
Penn State’s NHL pipeline could have another historic moment coming soon, as forward Gavin McKenna continues to sit at or near the top of 2026 NHL Draft boards.
Corey Pronman of The Athletic projected McKenna as the No. 1 overall pick in his latest 2026 NHL mock draft, sending the Penn State forward to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who won the draft lottery.
Pronman wrote that McKenna is the consensus favorite for the top spot right now, though the race is not yet considered a done deal. Other names in the mix include defenseman Ivar Stenberg and forward Caleb Malhotra, but McKenna’s dynamic skill and vision continue to make him the player most closely tied to the first overall pick.
McKenna’s potential selection would be a landmark moment for Penn State hockey. The program has already had a major run of NHL signings this offseason, and McKenna sitting atop mock drafts adds another layer to a stretch that has further elevated Penn State’s national profile.
