Hunter McKown (born August 18, 2002) is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Originally undrafted by teams in the NHL, McKown has previously played for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Playing career McKown played minor hockey with the San Jose Jr. Sharks before moving to play with the St. Louis AAA Blues of the T1EHL. In continuing his development, he joined the U.S. National Team Development Program and played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) ranks for two years beginning in 2018–19. Thereafter, McKown committed to play collegiate hockey with Colorado College in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Serving as an alternate captain for the Tigers in his junior season in 2022–23, McKown finished with a team leading 21 goals and 28 points. Using his size, he led the NCAA in power play goals (14) and was named as an All-NCHC Honorable Mention selection.
As an undrafted free agent, McKown concluded his collegiate career and was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets and immediately joined their roster to close out the season on March 20, 2023. Four days later, he made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets, recording an assist in an 5–4 overtime victory over the New York Islanders.
After three full seasons within the Blue Jackets organization as member of American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Cleveland Monsters, McKown was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Luke Tuch on June 25, 2026. Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, McKown was tendered a qualifying offer by the Canadiens four days later, and signed a one-year extension with the team on July 20.
International play
Internationally, McKown represented USA Hockey as part of the United States national junior team at the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where his team ultimately finished in fifth place.
Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2017–18 St. Louis AAA Blues T1EHL 33 10 15 25 38 — — — — — 2018–19 U.S. National Development Team USHL 27 2 4 6 26 2 0 0 0 2 2019–20 U.S. National Development Team USHL 16 1 2 3 14 — — — — — 2020–21 Colorado College NCHC 23 2 4 6 16 — — — — — 2021–22 Colorado College NCHC 35 13 8 21 29 — — — — — 2022–23 Colorado College NCHC 38 21 7 28 30 — — — — — 2022–23 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 12 0 2 2 8 — — — — — 2023–24 Cleveland Monsters AHL 53 9 15 24 26 11 2 2 4 8 2024–25 Cleveland Monsters AHL 68 13 18 31 34 6 1 1 2 2 2025–26 Cleveland Monsters AHL 63 9 16 25 38 8 1 1 2 8NHL totals 12 0 2 2 8 — — — — —
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2022 United States WJC 5th 4 0 1 1 0Junior totals 4 0 1 1 0
Awards and honors Award Year RefUSHL USA Hockey All-American Game 2020 College NCHC Honorable Mention All-Star Team 2023 NCHC All-Tournament Team 2023
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