Gavin McKenna selected first overall by Maple Leafs in NHL Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 4:18 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Gavin McKenna has been selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft held in Buffalo. McKenna described his selection as a 'dream come true' and expressed excitement about joining one of the league's most passionate fanbases. He attended the draft with Canadian singer Justin Bieber, who announced the Maple Leafs' pick. The team aims to rebound after missing the playoffs last season, and McKenna is anticipated to play a pivotal role moving forward, potentially joining either Auston Matthews or John Tavares on the ice next season.
- •McKenna hails from Whitehorse, Yukon and played for Penn State University.
- •Justin Bieber was present at the draft to announce the selection.
- •The Maple Leafs missed the playoffs last season for the first time in a decade.
- •John Chayka is the new general manager after the team's management overhaul.
- •McKenna is expected to play with either Matthews or Tavares next season.
- 5:17 PMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna makes Stanley Cup promise
- 4:18 AMYahoo Sports — Gavin McKenna: ‘Dream Come True’ Being Drafted by Maple Leafs
"Gavin McKenna said that being selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft is “a dream come true.”The Maple Leafs made the league’s worst-kept secret official on Friday at the NHL Draft in Buffalo when they selected McKenna with the first overall pick. Canadian singing sensation and die-hard Maple […] The post Gavin McKenna: ‘Dream Come True’ Being Drafted by Maple Leafs appeared first on HEAVY.
"Gavin McKenna wasted little time embracing the expectations that come with being the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ newest franchise cornerstone. Shortly after becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old made his biggest goal clear.…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 5:17 PMMaple Leafs No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna makes Stanley Cup promise
Gavin McKenna wasted little time embracing the expectations that come with being the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ newest franchise cornerstone. Shortly after becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old made his biggest goal clear.…
- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 4:18 AMGavin McKenna: ‘Dream Come True’ Being Drafted by Maple Leafs
Gavin McKenna said that being selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft is “a dream come true.”The Maple Leafs made the league’s worst-kept secret official on Friday at the NHL Draft in Buffalo when they selected McKenna with the first overall pick. Canadian singing sensation and die-hard Maple […] The post Gavin McKenna: ‘Dream Come True’ Being Drafted by Maple Leafs appeared first on HEAVY.
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