Gavin McKenna selected first overall in NHL draft by Toronto Maple Leafs
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 11:38 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Gavin McKenna, a forward from Penn State, was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL draft held on June 26, 2026. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, is noted for being only the second Indigenous player to achieve this honor. McKenna's selection confirms his status as a top prospect, previously projected for over two years. The draft event saw a strong presence of Maple Leafs fans and supporters from Yukon celebrating the milestone.
- •Gavin McKenna chosen first overall in NHL draft.
- •He hails from Whitehorse, Yukon.
- •The event featured support from Maple Leafs fans.
- •McKenna is the second Indigenous player selected No 1.
- •He was projected as the top prospect for over two years.
- 11:59 PMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 NHL draft pick
- 11:38 PMThe Guardian Sport — Yukon’s Gavin McKenna becomes only second Indigenous player selected No 1 in NHL draft
"Whitehorse winger goes first overall Justin Bieber announces Leafs’ top pick Penn State star hails from Yukon capital With most of Yukon watching and a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in the stands, Toronto selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first pick in the NHL draft on Friday night. The 18-year-old McKenna is from Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse and has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the border, with his selection validating the projections of the left winger being his age group’s top prospect more than two years ago. Continue reading...
"With most of Yukon watching and a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in the stands, Toronto selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first pick in the NHL draft on Friday night.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 11:59 PMMaple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 NHL draft pick
With most of Yukon watching and a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in the stands, Toronto selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first pick in the NHL draft on Friday night.
- The Guardian SportJun 26, 2026, 11:38 PMYukon’s Gavin McKenna becomes only second Indigenous player selected No 1 in NHL draft
Whitehorse winger goes first overall Justin Bieber announces Leafs’ top pick Penn State star hails from Yukon capital With most of Yukon watching and a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in the stands, Toronto selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first pick in the NHL draft on Friday night. The 18-year-old McKenna is from Yukon’s capital of Whitehorse and has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the border, with his selection validating the projections of the left winger being his age group’s top prospect more than two years ago. Continue reading...
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