Massive update in the hockey world! The felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped by the District Attorney today. Discover how this legal victory restores his status as the projected #1 NHL pick.
The hockey community can finally take a collective breath. After a week of intense speculation and concern over the future of Penn State’s superstar, the legal clouds have parted. The announcement that the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped has completely shifted the narrative, potentially saving the career of the 2026 draft’s most anticipated prospect.
Timeline: From Arrest to Dropped Charges
| Event Date | Milestone | Status |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Alleged altercation at a State College bar | Incident Reported |
| Feb 4, 2026 | McKenna charged with Felony Aggravated Assault | Formal Arrest |
| Feb 6, 2026 | Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped | Charge Withdrawn |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Preliminary hearing for remaining misdemeanors | Scheduled |
| June 2026 | NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, NY | Projected #1 Pick |
A Triumphant Turn for the Top Prospect
Just days ago, the hockey world was reeling from the news that the projected first-overall pick was facing up to 20 years in prison. However, the latest update confirming the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped by Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna has changed everything. According to the DA, a thorough review of the video evidence did not support the claim that McKenna acted with “extreme indifference to human life.”
While an altercation did take place, the legal threshold for a first-degree felony simply wasn’t met. This is a massive win for the 18-year-old freshman, who has been under immense pressure as the face of the new NCAA-CHL eligibility era.
Video Evidence Clears the Path
The deciding factor in having the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped was the surveillance footage from downtown State College. District Attorney Cantorna explained in a Friday press conference that for a felony aggravated assault charge to stick, there must be clear intent to cause serious bodily injury.
The video apparently told a different story—one that suggests the incident was less a calculated assault and more a heat-of-the-moment altercation. While the victim did unfortunately suffer a broken jaw, the lack of “reckless indifference” was enough for the DA to withdraw the most serious count, providing a huge relief to the Penn State athletic department.
Restoring His #1 Draft Status
Before this legal hurdle, NHL Central Scouting had McKenna ranked as the #1 North American skater. When the arrest happened, scouts and GMs were forced to re-evaluate his character. Now that the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped, his draft stock is expected to bounce back immediately.
McKenna has been a “generational talent” on the ice, racking up 32 points in just 24 games for the Nittany Lions. Professional teams are often willing to overlook minor legal skirmishes, but a first-degree felony is usually a deal-breaker. With that weight removed, the Whitehorse, Yukon native is once again the heavy favorite to hear his name called first this June in Buffalo.
What Remains for Gavin McKenna?
It is important to note that while the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped, he isn’t entirely out of the woods. He still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct. These are significantly less severe, but he still must attend a preliminary hearing on February 11.
Penn State has remained relatively quiet, citing the “ongoing legal matter,” but the mood around the locker room has undoubtedly brightened. McKenna’s performance this season has been a primary driver for the Nittany Lions’ success in the Big Ten, and having their star player focused on hockey rather than prison time is a major boost for the program.
Conclusion
The news that the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped is the best possible outcome for the player and the sport. It serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny young stars face and the importance of due process. As McKenna prepares to move past this chapter, the focus can finally return to his elite playmaking and the bright NHL future that awaits him this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped?
The District Attorney reviewed video evidence and concluded that McKenna did not act with the “intent to cause serious bodily injury” required for a felony conviction.
2. Is Gavin McKenna still facing any legal trouble?
Yes, he still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and summary offenses, but these carry much lighter penalties than the original felony.
3. Will this affect his NHL Draft ranking?
Initially, the arrest caused concern, but now that the Felony charge against Gavin McKenna dropped, most experts believe he will remain the consensus #1 pick.
4. Can he continue playing for Penn State right now?
McKenna is still a member of the team, though the university continues to monitor the legal proceedings. His participation in upcoming games will depend on internal athletic department decisions.
5. When is his next court appearance?
Gavin McKenna is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 11, 2026, at the Centre County Courthouse to address the remaining misdemeanor charges.
