Justin Bieber announces Toronto Maple Leafs' No. 1 pick at NHL Draft
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 11:30 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Justin Bieber made a surprise appearance at the 2026 NHL Draft held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, where he announced the Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall pick. The singer, recognized as a passionate Leafs fan, introduced Gavin McKenna, a forward from Penn State, who will join the team. Bieber shared his excitement for the draft, reminiscing about his long-time support for the Leafs and engaging with the crowd, despite receiving boos from Buffalo fans. He encouraged McKenna to check a message from Leafs' captain Auston Matthews and pledged to wear McKenna's jersey during next season's games.
- •Justin Bieber announces the No. 1 pick for the Maple Leafs.
- •Gavin McKenna is selected from Penn State.
- •Bieber expresses longstanding support for the Leafs.
- •The event takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
- •Bieber promises to wear McKenna's jersey next season.
- 11:30 PMYahoo Sports — Justin Bieber Makes Appearance at 2026 NHL Draft to Announce No. 1 Pick
- 11:22 PMYahoo Sports — Why Justin Bieber announced Maple Leafs' No. 1 pick of Gavin McKenna at the 2026 NHL Draft
"The process of the selection was definitely different than usual, but it was a great way to incorporate Bieber into the event.
"The Canadian singer announced the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first pick at Friday’s draft.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 11:30 PMJustin Bieber Makes Appearance at 2026 NHL Draft to Announce No. 1 Pick
The Canadian singer announced the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first pick at Friday’s draft.
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 11:22 PMWhy Justin Bieber announced Maple Leafs' No. 1 pick of Gavin McKenna at the 2026 NHL Draft
The process of the selection was definitely different than usual, but it was a great way to incorporate Bieber into the event.
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