Projected First Overall NHL Draft Pick Gavin McKenna Charged With Felony Assault

Gavin McKenna’s meteoric rise toward NHL superstardom has slammed into a massive off-ice collision.

The Penn State hockey phenom -- widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft -- is dealing with serious legal trouble after cops say he was involved in an alleged late-night fight near campus over the weekend.

A Pennsylvania court docket filed on Wednesday charges the 18-year-old forward with aggravated assault for attempting to cause serious bodily or causing injury with extreme indifference ... along with misdemeanor assault and other lesser charges.

The arresting officer filed McKenna's charges on Saturday -- the same day Penn State men's hockey played its first-ever game at Beaver Stadium. McKenna scored a goal in the 5-4 overtime loss.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the alleged victim spoke with cops from the emergency room on Jan. 31 ... as he was receiving treatment for fractures to both sides of his jaw, which would require surgery.

When speaking with cops, the alleged victim's face appeared swollen, and dried blood was on his lips.

When the man spoke, cops say a tooth was visibly missing from his mouth.

Due to the alleged victim's condition, cops say he was unable to speak on what happened ... but his friends stated McKenna punched him twice on the right side of his face after an exchange of words.

Officials said they reviewed surveillance footage, which showed McKenna throw two punches at the alleged victim's face ... causing him to stumble backward.

The affidavit also states the alleged victim underwent surgery to repair the fractures ... and his jaw will be wired shut for two weeks.

McKenna’s case is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

He has been tearing up the hockey world and rocketing up draft boards ... but with the NHL Draft spotlight blazing and scouts watching closely, his future could hinge just as much in a courtroom as it does on the ice.