The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The announcement was made by Canadian pop icon Justin Bieber at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. McKenna, a Whitehorse-born winger, expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to get going.”
McKenna, who is 18 years old, joins an Original Six franchise that finished 28th in the previous season. The Maple Leafs secured the top pick despite having 8.5 per cent odds in the draft lottery. General Manager John Chayka praised McKenna, describing him as “an exceptional young man with tremendous talent and character.”
McKenna’s Path to the Draft
McKenna’s journey to the NHL Draft includes a freshman season at Penn State, where he recorded 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points in 35 NCAA games. Prior to his collegiate career, he had dominant campaigns with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers. He led the entire Canadian Hockey League in 2024-25 with 129 points, including 41 goals and 88 assists.
McKenna is recognized for his vision and passing abilities. He anticipates a good match with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, stating, “My game is a playmaker. If you put me with a shooter, I think it could be pretty lethal.” Matthews was also a first overall selection a decade ago.
Chayka highlighted McKenna’s unique development, noting that he did not have a skills coach until he was 13 or a skating coach until the same age, and did not begin gym training until he was 15. This reflects a traditional Canadian hockey story of passion for the game.
McKenna is a member of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, making him the first Indigenous player to be drafted first overall since Dale McCourt in 1977. His selection is also considered a significant moment for hockey in the Yukon, inspiring a new generation of players.
Challenges and Future Outlook
McKenna’s decision to play in the NCAA was aimed at facing stiffer competition to better prepare for the professional level. While at Penn State, he faced legal challenges stemming from an altercation in February where he allegedly broke a man’s jaw. Prosecutors have since dropped the most serious charge of aggravated assault, though McKenna still faces charges of misdemeanour simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. He was not suspended by Penn State and has not publicly shared his version of events.
Despite these challenges, McKenna contributed to Canada’s bronze-medal squad at this year’s world junior hockey championship. He reflected on his year, stating, “Lot of ups and downs this year. Just trying to battle through that stuff and just block out all the noise and stay humble and stay positive through it all. I learned a lot.”
The Maple Leafs, who hold the NHL’s longest Stanley Cup drought dating back to 1967, will look to rebuild with McKenna under new bench boss Jim Hiller, GM John Chayka, and senior executive adviser of hockey operations Mats Sundin. McKenna is the third player in Maple Leafs franchise history to be taken with the top pick in the NHL Draft, following Wendel Clark in 1985 and Auston Matthews in 2016.
Other notable selections in the draft included Ivar Stenberg, taken second overall by the San Jose Sharks, and Caleb Malhotra, selected third by the Vancouver Canucks. Daxon Rudolph was picked fourth by the Buffalo Sabres, and Alberts Smits rounded out the top five, chosen by the New York Rangers. The Calgary Flames selected Carson Carels at number six.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
