"The Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick."
Toronto Maple Leafs Win 2025 Draft Lottery, Select Gavin McKenna First Overall
The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the first overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery with an 8.5% probability. The Vancouver Canucks entered the lottery with the highest odds but did not win the top pick. The San Jose Sharks will select second overall, marking their third top-two selection in three years.
Draft Selection
The Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. McKenna is an 18-year-old forward described as a highly-touted prospect. He is expected to join the Maple Leafs' lineup immediately.
Team Context
The Maple Leafs finished the 2025-26 regular season in 28th place overall. The team's roster includes forwards Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Easton Cowan. Defensemen Morgan Rielly, Chris Tanev, and Jake McCabe are all over the age of 32. Matthews experienced a decline in statistical production during the 2025-26 season, though projections indicate a potential rebound.
Roster Assessment
Multiple sources identify a gap in the team's defense, specifically the absence of a top-pair defenseman—a condition that has persisted for approximately a decade. The departure of forward Mitch Marner created a need at the shutdown forward position. The first overall pick provides the organization with additional options to address these needs through potential trades or free agency.
Front Office
New General Manager John Chayka faces an offseason of roster decisions, with the primary objective of retooling the team around Matthews and McKenna.