/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-tor.buminteractif.com%2F2026%2F02%2F06192112%2FGettyImages-2253268837-scaled-1-1-1.jpg)
Things are moving quickly in the Gavin McKenna case.
Today, we learned that the aggravated assault charge against him has beendropped.
The videoevidence is not strong enough to charge the young man.
The case is not yet 100% closed, for example.
The Crown will continue to pursue charges of common assault and other minor offenses related to the severity of the victim's injuries… but McKenna could still walk away without a criminal record.
It should be noted that the young man still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault, as well as misdemeanor charges of harassment and disorderly conduct.
Centre County District Attorney's Office is withdrawing the felony count of Aggravated Assault against Penn State hockey player Gavin McKenna, expected to go first overall in this summer's NHL Draft.
Details here: pic.twitter.com/UgeLVdo5LG
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 6, 2026
Police said McKenna allegedly struck a 21-year-old student, causing multiple facial fractures that required corrective surgery and immobilization of his jaw.
The events took place last weekend, on Saturday, a few hours after Penn State University's away game.
In all this, it is McKenna who must be truly relieved today.
He came to his mother's defense after the student in question insulted her, and in general, on various social media platforms, several people came to his defense, explaining that McKenna's actions were “understandable.”
That said, I'm still eager to see if all this will have an impact on the upcoming NHL draft. McKenna has been talked about as the logical first pick in the draft for several months now, and it makes you wonder if what has happened in the last few days will tarnish his reputation.
My gut tells me no… but we'll have to wait and see.
Overtime
– A habs vs. Wings matchup in the playoffs… that would be interesting for the Montreal team.
Based on the current standings, the habs would face the Red Wings in the playoffs for the first time since 1978.
https://t.co/DCluRi1AjY
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) February 6, 2026
– Oh yeah?
Nick Kypreos: Re Nazem Kadri: I gotta think Dallas would be right up there; Detroit…there's a gap there that Kadri can easily fill; we mentioned Montreal; Minnesota; Colorado would love to have him back, but there's no room – Big Show (2/4)
— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) February 6, 2026
– The NHL's three stars of the week:
The NHL's 3 stars of the week:
Matt Boldy
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) February 6, 2026
