Gavin Macken, a hockey star from Penn State and a potential first overall pick in this year's NHL draft, is no longer facing the most serious charge of aggravated assault. This decision comes from the Central Pennsylvania District Attorney's Office, which stated that while the criminal charge has been dropped, Macken will still face charges related to simple assault and other administrative violations stemming from injuries to the victim. The legal process is ongoing, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

The incident in question occurred on January 31 during a Penn State hockey game, which was attended by over 74,000 spectators at Beaver Stadium. Macken allegedly struck another man twice in the face after an exchange of words, which resulted in fractures on both sides of the victim's jaw. The charges had raised widespread media interest, given Macken's high profile as a college athlete and his prospects in the professional league.

The dropping of the aggravated assault charge is significant, as it reduces the potential legal consequences for Macken. However, the continuation of the court proceedings regarding the lesser charges indicates that the matter will remain in the public eye, particularly with the anticipation of the upcoming NHL draft. As Macken prepares for his preliminary hearing, the outcome could influence his career trajectory in professional hockey, as teams weigh the implications of such incidents on their prospective players.