Pop star Justin Bieber announced the pick.
Mapel Leafs Select Gavin McKenna First Overall in 2026 NHL Draft
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, held Friday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The Maple Leafs secured the top selection after winning the draft lottery with just 8.5 percent odds.
Draft Lottery Results
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, moving from the fifth to the first overall selection. The San Jose Sharks will pick second, marking their third top-two selection in three years. The Vancouver Canucks, who entered the lottery with the highest odds, did not receive the top pick.
Player Profile
Gavin McKenna, a forward, is approximately 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds. He is from Whitehorse, Yukon. McKenna is the third player in franchise history to be drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs.
The selection was announced by pop star Justin Bieber. Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, the team’s 2016 first overall pick, delivered a video message welcoming McKenna.
Team Context
The Maple Leafs finished 28th overall in the 2025-26 season, missing the playoffs for the first time since Matthews joined the franchise. Following the season, the organization fired general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube. John Chayka was hired as the new general manager.
The team's roster includes Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Easton Cowan. Defensemen Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, and Jake McCabe are all 32 years of age or older.
The draft pick the Maple Leafs used was subject to a condition under a prior trade deadline deal. If the pick had fallen outside the top five selections, it would have been transferred to the Boston Bruins.
Scouting and Background
Maple Leafs scouting director Mark Leach stated that McKenna handled the spotlight well during his draft year. McKenna began his collegiate career at Penn State.
During the season prior to the draft, McKenna faced scrutiny regarding a slow start at Penn State, concerns about his work ethic and play away from the puck, and a legal incident involving an assault charge that was later reduced to a misdemeanor.
Statements
New general manager John Chayka called the decision to draft McKenna "unanimous."
McKenna described himself as a playmaker and expressed interest in playing alongside Matthews. He stated he aims to prove himself and hopes the fanbase will embrace him.