Penn State Hockey Freshman Profiles: Kaden Pitre

The Skinny

Position: C
Height: 6’
Weight: 185 pounds
DOB: February 8, 2006 (age 20)
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Stouffville, ON, Canada
2025-26 Team: Flint Firebirds/North Bay Battalion (OHL)
2025-26 Stats: 49 games, 18 goals, 26 assists, +17
NHL Draft: 2024 6th round (181st overall) by Tampa Bay Lightning

2026-27 Outlook

Pitre played four seasons in the OHL for the Flint Firebirds and North Bay Battalion. His career high in goal scoring is 22- a bit low for some of the higher-ceiling offensive players we have seen join Penn State directly from junior hockey. He is primarily a defensive center, though his faceoff numbers last season (45.7% on 449 draws) left a bit to be desired. Penn State needs another bottom six center to complement Keaton Peters, who is returning after an injury kept him out for all of 2025-26.

While Pitre is primarily a center, I can see Guy Gadowsky moving him to the wing if he is in the regular lineup this season. Kale Dach is a more natural fit at center with better faceoff numbers and a more proven upside on offense. Even with the heavy offensive turnover this season, Penn State never lacks for scoring. The Lions need forwards with a strong two-way game who can finish their checks. Pitre should be able to fill that role right away.