Gavin McKenna was charged with multiple offenses following a bar fight on January 31. Now, an update indicates that he is already set to return to play this weekend for his Penn State University.
McKenna is widely regarded by analysts and insiders as a generational talent. He is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
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Gavin McKenna charges dropped
On January 31, McKenna was involved in an altercation in a restaurant parking lot after a team dinner. A 21-year-old man suffered a broken jaw, and McKenna was charged with aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault, and two counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and fighting. The aggravated assault charge has since been dropped. According to prosecutors, the felony charge was dismissed because 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.”
McKenna is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
Could still be found guilty
Although McKenna could still be found guilty on the remaining charges, reports on Tuesday showed that he was back practicing with his Penn State team. He is also expected to play this weekend when Penn State faces Michigan State, according to reports from several sources, including hockey news site DailyFaceoff. So far this season, McKenna has recorded 32 points in 24 games. It remains to be seen how the legal matter will impact Gavin McKenna’s game.
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