League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NHL Draft sees Toronto select Gavin McKenna first overall

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 12:17 PM

Last updated Jun 29, 2026

NHL Draft sees Toronto select Gavin McKenna first overall

Summary

The 2026 NHL Draft concluded with Toronto selecting Gavin McKenna first overall at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The San Jose Sharks had a notable draft, landing Ivar Stenberg second overall and Keaton Verhoff. Other key trades included John Carlson moving to Carolina and Pavel Dorofeyev heading to the Rangers. The Tampa Bay Lightning were criticized for their draft strategy, while the Edmonton Oilers failed to address pressing needs. The Chicago Blackhawks drafted well, including Xavier Villeneuve, who is expected to contribute positively alongside Connor Bedard.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Gavin McKenna drafted first by the Toronto Maple Leafs
•Ivar Stenberg selected second by the San Jose Sharks
•John Carlson traded to Carolina
•Tampa Bay Lightning criticized for draft choices
•Chicago Blackhawks draft Xavier Villeneuve

Latest Updates

12:17 PMYahoo Sports — Biggest winners & losers from 2026 NHL Draft

What they're saying

"
The NHL draft has concluded, and many teams were seen as winners, while some didn’t identify talent as well. Gavin McKenna went first overall and was the first Big Ten player to be drafted since Owen Power in 2021. There…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Edmonton Oilers San Jose Sharks Tampa Bay Lightning Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Hockey