Top NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna avoids felony charge after prosecutors reviewed video evidence

Gavin McKenna, one of college hockey’s brightest young stars and the top projected pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, will not face a felony charge after prosecutors reviewed new evidence in his case.

Centre County prosecutors confirmed that the felony aggravated assault charge against the 18-year-old Penn State freshman is being dropped. The decision came after a closer look at video footage from the incident. Prosecutors said the evidence does not support the level of intent needed for a felony charge.The case stems from an alleged altercation in downtown State College on Saturday, Jan. 31. It happened just hours after Penn State lost 5-4 in overtime to Michigan State.

McKenna was formally arraigned on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Centre County, Pennsylvania. According to the criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY Sports, McKenna was accused of punching another man on the right side of his face after words were exchanged between two groups.

At first, prosecutors filed a felony aggravated assault charge.However, after reviewing video evidence, prosecutors said McKenna “did not act with the intent to cause serious bodily harm nor did he recklessly act with extreme indifference to the value of human life.”

Because that legal standard could not be met, the felony charge will not move forward. Even with the felony dropped, the case is not fully closed.

Why prosecutors dropped the felony charge against Gavin McKenna and what charges remain

Prosecutors explained that felony aggravated assault requires proof that a person meant to seriously hurt someone or showed extreme disregard for human life. After reviewing the video, they said those elements were not present in McKenna’s actions.As a result, McKenna will now only face lower-level charges.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 8:30 a.m. ET at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The remaining charges include one misdemeanor count of simple assault, along with summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct.McKenna, who is in his first season with the Penn State Nittany Lions, is widely seen as a generational talent. NHL.com currently ranks him as the No.

1 prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.For now, Penn State has not announced any change to his playing status. The team’s next game is scheduled for Feb. 12 on the road against No. 1 Michigan. The legal process will continue, but the most serious charge is no longer part of the case.