Penn State’s hockey program added another major piece to its future blue line Saturday, securing a commitment from one of the top young defensemen in Canadian junior hockey.
Ottawa 67’s defenseman Kohyn Eshkawkogan announced on Instagram that he has committed to Penn State and will join the Nittany Lions for the 2027-28 season following his NHL Draft year.
The Little Current, Ontario native is coming off a breakout campaign in the Ontario Hockey League, recording 53 points (eight goals, 45 assists) in 68 games during the 2025-26 season. Eshkawkogan emerged as one of Ottawa’s top defensemen, quarterbacking the power play while establishing himself as a reliable two-way presence on the blue line.
Originally selected 21st overall by the 67’s in the 2024 OHL Draft, the 17-year-old has quickly elevated his draft stock. Early projections have Eshkawkogan as a first- or second-round selection in the 2027 NHL Draft, giving Penn State another potential high-end NHL prospect in its pipeline.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.At 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, Eshkawkogan isn’t the biggest defenseman, but he makes up for it with his hockey IQ, skating ability and puck-moving skills. His offensive instincts allow him to create opportunities from the back end, while his awareness and positioning help him remain effective defensively against top competition.
There’s still another OHL season before he arrives in Happy Valley, and plenty can change in the lead-up to the 2027 NHL Draft. But if Eshkawkogan continues on his current trajectory, Penn State could be adding one of the most highly regarded defense prospects in college hockey when he arrives for the 2027-28 season.
