Maple Leafs Select Gavin McKenna First Overall in the NHL Draft

Photo Credit: Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a franchise-defining move at the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo, selecting forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick.

McKenna spent the 2026 season in the NCAA playing at Penn State University in the Big Ten, where he produced 51 points, including 15 goals in 35 games. The Whitehorse native dominated the WHL before heading to the NCAA, where he recorded 129 points, scoring 41 goals in 56 games.

McKenna, who has been largely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive prospects in recent years, enters the organization as a potential cornerstone piece for the Leafs’ next era. Known for his elite skating, high-end vision, and ability to control the pace of the game, McKenna has been projected as a future star at the NHL level.

The selection comes as Toronto continues a major organizational reset under general manager John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin. After missing the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade, the Maple Leafs have begun to retool around younger talent and reshape their long-term outlook.

McKenna can become a centrepiece the Maple Leafs build around, while giving Auston Matthews and William Nylander top-end talent for the future. With lots of speculation regarding the Maple Leafs lineup, McKenna's presence gives the Maple Leafs a breath of fresh air moving forward.

With pressure mounting on the front office to deliver a long-term contender, the pick signals a clear direction: Toronto is not just retooling, it is preparing for a new core era.