Gavin McKenna Assault Charge Reduced: NHL Prospect Faces Misdemeanor

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – A felony aggravated assault charge against top NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna has been withdrawn by the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s office, though the 18-year-old Penn State forward will still face misdemeanor charges related to an altercation last month. The decision, announced Friday, February 6, 2026, stems from an incident that occurred on January 31 following Penn State’s outdoor hockey game against Michigan State.

The initial complaint alleged McKenna punched a 21-year-old male twice in the face after an exchange of words between two groups in State College. The victim initially reported fractures to both sides of his jaw and a missing tooth, leading to the felony charge. However, a subsequent investigation by State College Police revealed the victim sustained fractures to only one side of his jaw and did not lose a tooth.

According to a release from the District Attorney’s office, the felony charge was dropped because prosecutors could not establish McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to human life, based on a review of video evidence. “Accordingly, the District Attorney’s Office will be withdrawing the felony count of Aggravated Assault and correcting the record regarding the injuries suffered by the victim,” the release stated. “A review of the video does not support a conclusion that Gavin McKenna acted with the intent to cause serious bodily injury or with reckless indifference to the value of human life.”

McKenna will now proceed to court on a misdemeanor simple assault charge, as well as summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct. The maximum penalty for aggravated assault in Pennsylvania is 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine, but the downgraded charge carries a significantly lesser sentence.

The incident took place hours after Penn State hosted Michigan State in an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, attracting a crowd of 74,575. McKenna scored a goal and added two assists in the 5-4 overtime loss. He currently leads Penn State with 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in 24 games this season.

McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the June NHL Draft. He is currently ranked first among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The NHL has acknowledged awareness of the charges but has declined to comment, citing McKenna’s status as a non-league player.

Penn State has issued a brief statement acknowledging the charges, stating, “We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment.”

The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 11 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The outcome of the hearing and subsequent legal proceedings could have implications for McKenna’s draft stock, though the withdrawal of the felony charge will likely mitigate some of the concerns surrounding his future prospects.

The initial reports of the incident, as covered by Penn State’s student newspaper, Onward State, and later by ESPN and The New York Times, quickly gained national attention given McKenna’s status as a projected top pick. The discrepancy between the initial claims of the victim’s injuries and the police findings played a significant role in the District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charges.

While the withdrawal of the aggravated assault charge is a positive development for McKenna, the remaining charges still represent a legal challenge. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by high-profile athletes, particularly those entering the professional ranks, and the importance of responsible conduct both on and off the ice. The situation will undoubtedly be closely monitored by NHL teams as they prepare for the draft.