Penn State freshman Gavin McKenna, the top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, is facing felony aggravated assault charges stemming from an alleged altercation with a 21-year-old male last Saturday.
Police in State College, Pa. also charged McKenna, 18, with misdemeanor simple assault, disorderly conduct, engaging in fighting and harassment.
McKenna was released on $20,000 unsecured bail. He has a hearing scheduled for next Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
According to a police statement, “It is alleged that McKenna struck a 21-year-old male in the face during the altercation resulting in facial injuries requiring corrective surgery.”
Penn State officials have declined to comment on the situation. It’s unclear what impact the incident will have on McKenna’s playing status with the Nittany Lions. Penn State’s next game isn’t until Friday, Feb. 13 against Michigan in Ann Arbor.
McKenna is still the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall in the June draft, but that is less certain than it seemed to be last fall. Ove the past couple of months, McKenna’s stock has fallen a bit. For example, both Eliteprospects.com and Sportsnet.ca have McKenna ranked No. 2.
Some NHL scouts believe that Swede forward Ivar Stenberg or college defenseman Keaton Verhoeff of North Dakota could be picked ahead of him.
By choosing to play in college, McKenna is playing against older players. He has had success, showing 11 goals and 21 assists for 32 points in 24 games. But he probably hasn’t been as dominant as scouts thought he might be. Â