He will be one and done at PSU. The kid is from Yukon (not Storrs). He has no real allegiance to PSU. PSU is renting the kid (very high rent) to further elevate the program, while the kid is playing at PSU to solidify his position as the first pick in the draft. It’s a business transaction. He can’t play in the NHL yet and needs to play somewhere. PSU paid up and gets his services for a year.
I could be wrong (often am), but I don’t see this kid having a strong allegiance to PSU in the future. One and done.
I mean, sure, someone who only spends a year in a place isn't going to be as tied as someone who is there for multiple years. That said, Happy Valley can be pretty magical for a 17/18 year old especially an athlete who is being catered to. I would imagine he will likely have some fond memories and speak well of the place if the year goes well (especially if the team has significant success).
Ice Hockey players seem like a low hanging fruit in terms of NIL since there isn't substantial funding in the sport. If Pegula or other well heeled donors step up with significant NIL funding - which seems to be happening - it probably wouldn't be too costly to build a powerhouse (relative to the cost to do so in football or men's basketball)