Pennsylvania Court releases NHL top prospect Gavin McKenna on $20,000 bail after player faces felony assault

In a shocking incident, a top prospect for the 2026 National Hockey League draft, Gavin McKenna, was arrested on felony assault charges on Wednesday, as per the Pennsylvania court documents.

As reported by NBC News, McKenna is facing serious charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct after an altercation in State College, Pennsylvania, according to the criminal complaint filed on the matter.The Penn State University forward and top NHL prospect, Gavin McKenna, was officially released on $20,000 bail after a court date was set for his assault charges. According to reports, he was charged after an alleged altercation, following Penn State's outdoor game against Michigan State at Beaver Stadium, as stated in Pennsylvania court documents on Wednesday. Also, McKenna's preliminary hearing is set for February 11, 2026. Let's take a look at the incident that unfolded and led to Gavin's arrest and bail.

NHL top prospect Gavin McKenna released after facing serious charges of assault

NHL top prospect for the 2026 draft, Gavin McKenna, was arrested on charges of felony assault recently. However, as per reports, the player has been released on $20,000 bail after a court date was set for his assault charges. He was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, which in Pennsylvania is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines, as well as simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct.

If found guilty, he could end up in jail for up to 20 years. McKenna's preliminary hearing is set for February 11, 2026.

As stated in the police reports, the incident occurred around 8:45 p.m on Saturday near the Penn State campus. Reports suggest that the man was allegedly struck by McKenna and suffered facial injuries that required corrective surgery. According to reports, the members of the team went to a downtown bar with friends and family earlier that night when the incident took place after an altercation.As reported by NBC, the street camera captured the altercation between the two, where it was seen that McKenna was punching the victim twice on the right side of his face after "an exchange of words" between the group of people McKenna was with and the victim's group.Meanwhile, the University's Athletics department said in a statement, confirming they have been made aware of the charges: "We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment." This season, the 18-year-old forward tallied 32 points, including 11 goals, in 24 games with Penn State University.