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Former Penn State hockey star Gavin McKenna is widely projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft, which begins on Friday night.
McKenna, a Canadian native who played in the Western Hockey League before joining the NCAA’s Nittany Lions in 2025, was one of the first players to take advantage of a rule allowing CHL players to play college hockey in the United States. Now, he’s likely to hear his name called early on Friday night in Buffalo.

McKenna’s expected high selection comes just months after he was charged with felony aggravated assault and several misdemeanors following an incident hours after a Penn State loss to Michigan State on Jan. 31. He allegedly punched a man in the face after an exchange of words between his group and McKenna’s.
On Feb. 6, prosecutors dropped the felony charge against McKenna, determining he “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.”
Though the felony assault charge against McKenna was dropped, he still faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and summary offenses for harassment and disorderly conduct. He was set to have a preliminary hearing on these charges in March but ultimately waived his right to one.

Earlier in June, McKenna’s defense was granted a delay for the trial on those charges, which is yet to be held.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna’s arrest and dismissed charges, explained
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