Top NHL draft prospect Gavin McKenna arrested on assault charges

Gavin McKenna, the 18-year-old top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, was arrested on felony assault charges Wednesday, Pennsylvania court documents show.

McKenna faces charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after an altercation in State College, Pennsylvania, according to the criminal complaint.

McKenna, who is from Canada, is a forward on the Penn State men's hockey team. He is ranked No. 1 among the prospects in the 2026 NHL draft, which is set to take place in June, once the current season is over.

McKenna was arraigned Wednesday and released on $20,000 bail, court documents show.

According to the criminal complaint, street cameras captured McKenna punching the victim twice on the right side of his face after "an exchange of words" between the group of people McKenna was with and the victim's group.

The assault took place after McKenna left a nearby bar, the criminal complaint says.

The victim lost a tooth and sustained fractures to both sides of his jaw, the criminal complaint says. The victim underwent surgery to repair his jaw Monday and now must keep his jaw wired shut for about two weeks, it says.

Penn State said in a statement that it is aware of the charges but did not provide further comment.

It remains unclear what McKenna's fate within the NHL draft will be.

NBC News made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach McKenna or a representative for him.