What does the Feb. 11 preliminary hearing mean for investors?

A preliminary hearing tests probable cause. It is not a trial and may produce continuances, dismissals, or bind-over decisions. For investors, it is a timing event. If the court advances the case, headline risk can rise. If it softens, some pressure may ease, but reputational reviews will likely continue.

How could NIL deals be affected by the case?

NIL contracts often include morals clauses. When an athlete is charged, brands usually pause payments and activations while counsel reviews the agreement and public filings. If the case escalates, exits are likelier. If it eases, reinstatements may occur with stricter terms, shorter durations, and tighter creative approvals.

Will NHL draft odds change before the hearing?

Books may narrow limits or suspend select props when legal uncertainty rises. Headline updates can move implied probabilities quickly. Expect more conservative pricing until the record changes. After the hearing, traders may reopen or reprice markets based on filings, not speculation. Correlated prospects’ odds can also shift.

What should Canadian marketers do this week?

Audit all athlete-led assets, prepare alternate talent, and pre-approve neutral creative suitable for Ontario and national campaigns. Align PR and legal on language that cites public records. Set monitoring for docket updates on Monday and be ready to extend pauses or stage reactivations based on the court outcome.

Law and Government

February 5: Gavin McKenna charged – NIL and Draft Risk for Investors

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Gavin McKenna charged is the key headline moving sports business risk this week. The top NHL prospect faces a felony aggravated assault count tied to a Jan. 31 incident, was arraigned, released on bail, and has a Feb. 11 preliminary hearing. For Canadian investors, this raises NIL sponsorship risk around college hockey marketing and could shift NHL draft odds and exposure for Ontario-regulated sportsbooks. We map the timeline, explain likely market responses, and outline actions to take before Monday’s hearing.