In continuing his development, McKown joined the U.S. National Team Development Program and played in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two years.
[1] McKown served as an alternate captain for the Tigers in his junior season in 2022–23, finishing with a team leading 21 goals and 28 points.
Using his size McKown led the NCAA in power play goals and was an honorable mention All-NCHC 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 the roster to close out the 2022–23 season on March 20, 2023.
[2] He made his NHL debut with the Blue Jackets, recording an assist for his first point, in a 5–4 overtime victory over the New York Islanders on March 24, 2023.