Penn State’s Gavin McKenna Expected to Play vs. Michigan After Felony Charge Dropped

Overview

• Centre County prosecutors withdrew the aggravated-assault felony after reviewing video and finding the legal intent standard unmet, leaving misdemeanor simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct charges pending.
• Police say surveillance footage shows McKenna punched another student twice on Jan. 31, causing multiple jaw fractures that required surgery.
• Multiple outlets report McKenna is expected to play this weekend, and NHL scouts have been told to anticipate his return.
• Court records show he remains free on $20,000 unsecured bail, while Penn State and coach Guy Gadowsky have not announced any internal discipline or spoken publicly.
• The freshman winger, a top 2026 NHL Draft prospect with 32 points in 24 games, has recent game-misconducts that would trigger an automatic NCAA suspension if he incurs another.