Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 616: Featuring Gavin McKenna

Summary of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 616: Featuring Gavin McKenna

by Barstool Sports

2h 11m•January 30, 2026
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Overview of Spittin’ Chiclets Episode 616: Featuring Gavin McKenna

This episode (live from Beaver Stadium, Penn State) mixes the usual Spittin’ Chiclets locker-room banter with hockey news, trade/Olympics talk, betting picks, and a long sit-down interview with draft-eligible Penn State forward Gavin McKenna. Hosts riff on Patrick Kane’s Olympic return and legacy, NHL trade rumors (notably Artemi Panarin), team trends (Sabres’ surge, Avalanche defense talk), and college hockey growth — then spend 20+ minutes with McKenna on his upbringing in Whitehorse (Yukon), hockey path, identity, training, and life at Penn State.

Major segments & topics covered

  • Patrick Kane: celebration of his Olympic selection, reflections on his career, clutch moments and legacy (Showtime/Kane as an inspiration for U.S. hockey).
  • NHL season trends: hat-trick surge (record-tying month), defensemen scoring big this season, and general “grind” of midseason.
  • Team narratives:
    • Buffalo Sabres: described as a full “wagon” — historic hot stretch (19–3–1 over 23 games).
    • Colorado Avalanche: discussion of defensive depth, Malinsky signing and how he fits with MacKinnon/Makar.
    • Detroit/Buffalo playoff matchup as a tantalizing potential first-round series.
    • Columbus Blue Jackets: coach “Bones” (Brad Larsen) impact, Zach Werenski Norris argument.
  • Trade & deadline chatter:
    • Artemi Panarin: likely to be moved by Rangers; many teams reportedly interested; talk of possible extension requirement for trade.
    • Other deadline possibilities, cap situations, and how teams may approach upgrades for playoff pushes.
  • Hall of Fame controversy (Bill Belichick snub): hosts react to the wider optics and backlash.
  • Betting / quick picks: hosts call out players they like for upcoming nights (several quick “hat trick / scoring” picks and props).

Guest — Gavin McKenna (profile & highlights)

  • Background:
    • From Whitehorse, Yukon (small territory hub), moved away at ~12 to pursue higher-level hockey.
    • Grew up with outdoor lifestyle: hunting (moose), remote cabin life, lots of skating on local rinks.
    • Indigenous heritage — says he’s proud and motivated by family stories (particularly his grandfather).
  • Hockey path:
    • Played in the WHL (Medicine Hat) — won the WHL and made a deep run (Memorial Cup runner-up).
    • Chose NCAA route (Penn State) to get “time and space” and prepare for the NHL; says college hockey helped him mature physically and mentally.
    • Penn State stats/season: team leader, big second half after World Juniors; gained weight (from ~162 to ~172 lb) and strength in the program.
  • Personal traits & influences:
    • Idolizes Patrick Kane; compares style to guys who read the ice and create space.
    • Worked with people like Byron Ritchie and trained with the Hughes family in summers.
    • Turned off/deleted Instagram this year to avoid external noise and focus on hockey.
  • Adversity & resilience:
    • Recovered from a serious ankle injury (shattered talus — long rehab).
    • Discussed handling public criticism and the pressure of being a high-profile prospect.
  • Off-ice:
    • Enjoys fly-fishing (takes a fly-fishing class at Penn State), outdoor life, and giving back (wanting to help build a permanent rink back home so NHL buddies can visit).
  • Draft outlook:
    • Preparing for a busy draft summer, expects it to be hectic but is focused on development.

Notable insights & quotes

  • On top-level obsession: “You have to be obsessed” — used to describe what makes elite athletes (argument used to explain Patrick Kane’s longevity and success).
  • On social media/prospect pressure: McKenna deleted Instagram to avoid outside noise; hosts praise this as a smart move for development.
  • On development choices: college hockey provides an environment to grow physically, play older competition, and smooth NHL transition.
  • On leadership/coaching: hosts repeatedly praise coaches who bring energy and consistent positivity (examples: Columbus coach pulling players together).

Key facts / numbers mentioned

  • Buffalo Sabres: 19–3–1 across a 23-game span (described as an all-time franchise stretch).
  • Hat-trick spike: hosts note ~29 hat tricks in a month (tied NHL monthly records) and multiple defensemen have recorded hat tricks this season.
  • Contract example: a young Colorado defenseman signed a reported four-year, ~$4.75M deal (used to discuss team-friendly extensions and fit with Makar).

Betting & prediction highlights (hosts’ picks)

  • Multiple quick-night picks were thrown around; examples from the episode:
    • Pasta (Pascal?) for Bruins goal/impact at home.
    • Donor / Buffalo-related call for scoring.
    • Charlie McAvoy as a D-man to get a hat-trick before month’s end (one host pick).
    • Cole Caulfield hot streak noted — pick as a scorer.
    • Matthew Tkachuk pick for a big night (one host later picked him for a hat-trick).
  • Hosts also debated Norris Trophy back-and-forth: Makar favored, but Zach Werenski argued as strong contender.

Notable moments & behind-the-scenes color

  • Live setting: Beaver Stadium (Penn State), talk of 70–100K+ crowd and hosting a Pink Whitney party (product sponsor jokes).
  • Dave Portnoy credited for setting up the McKenna interview.
  • Lots of the usual Spittin’ Chiclets ribbing, callouts, and Boston/Toronto/Oilers/Leafs banter throughout the show.

Main takeaways

  • Patrick Kane’s Olympic selection is a sentimental narrative — hosts view it as a deserved, storybook continuation and a reminder of his influence on U.S. hockey.
  • The NHL midseason is featuring unusual offensive outbursts (hat tricks, D-man scoring) and several teams are surging unexpectedly (Buffalo in particular).
  • Artemi Panarin’s situation is the big trade-deadline storyline — his possible extension requirement and many suitors will dominate chatter.
  • Gavin McKenna is presented as a mature, driven draft prospect: small-town Yukon roots, overcame serious injury, chose college to mature, and seems ready for the next step.
  • Mental/physical preparation matters: McKenna’s social media break, college conditioning, and support system highlight the professional path for elite prospects.

If you want a one-line summary: Episode 616 blends midseason NHL news/trade drama and player debate with a substantive feature on promising Penn State/WHL product Gavin McKenna — a composed, hard-working prospect from Whitehorse who’s chosen the college route, shut out social media, and is primed for a busy draft summer.