Major update in the Gavin McKenna saga

According to a report from college hockey insider Brad Elliot Schlossman, NHL scouts have been informed that Penn State star forward and presumptive #1 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna has been cleared to play this upcoming weekend.

From Schlossman:

McKenna, of course, was embroiled in a controversy last week after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting and breaking the jaw of a fellow Penn State student.

McKenna was facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with “attempts to cause serious bodily injury or causes injury with extreme indifference,” as well as simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct to “engage in fighting.”

Those charges have since been lessened as more information has come forward, however.

The felony aggravated assault charge was dropped after the district attorney’s office said Friday there was insufficient evidence, noting investigators determined there was no intent to cause serious bodily injury after reviewing video of the alleged incident.

McKenna now faces a misdemeanour simple assault charge with a hearing scheduled in court on March 11th. Until then (and likely after, to be honest) McKenna has been freed and he can resume his season with Penn State.