Penn State hockey has made its first major move of the college hockey transfer portal season, securing a commitment from former Vermont defenseman Caeden Herrington. The portal window opened on Monday, and the Nittany Lions wasted no time in addressing a key area of need.

Herrington, a Manchester, Vermont native, brings valuable experience and a promising pedigree to Happy Valley. In his 2025-26 season with the Catamounts, the 6'2" defenseman appeared in 34 games, tallying one goal and seven assists. His potential was recognized early, as he was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft.

His offensive capabilities were on full display during his time in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars. In the 2024-25 season, Herrington showcased a powerful shot, finishing second in the entire league among defensemen with 16 regular-season goals, proving he can be a threat from the blue line.

This addition is a timely boost for a Penn State defensive corps facing significant turnover. With Jarod Crespo and Carter Schade graduating and Cade Christenson entering the portal, the right-shot Herrington is poised to step into a top-four role immediately. His two-way skill set and proven scoring touch make him an ideal candidate to partner with returning blueliners like Jackson Smith or Mac Gadowsky, helping to solidify the Nittany Lions' back end for the upcoming campaign.