Toronto Maple Leafs hold No. 1 pick in NHL draft, eyeing McKenna
ESPN • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 4:07 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft taking place in Buffalo on Friday night. General Manager John Chayka, newly appointed, is expected to select Gavin McKenna, a forward from Penn State, who is regarded as the top prospect. This draft marks a critical moment for the franchise, which recently finished last in the Atlantic Division and is undergoing significant changes, including the hiring of new coach Jim Hiller and the acquisition of defenseman Darren Raddysh. The Maple Leafs aim to rebuild their roster and restock their youth with this pivotal selection.
- •John Chayka is the new general manager of the Maple Leafs.
- •The draft is set for Friday night in Buffalo.
- •Gavin McKenna is highly regarded as the top draft prospect.
- •The Maple Leafs finished last in the Atlantic Division last season.
- •Other top prospects include Ivar Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra.
- 12:35 AMESPN — As expected, Maple Leafs draft McKenna at No. 1
- 4:07 PMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs on the clock with No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, with McKenna considered top prospect
"General manager John Chayka and the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock in having the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft on Friday night, and with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna regarded as the top prospect. For the newly hired Chayka, the selection provides him the next opportunity to help reshape one of the NHL’s marquee franchises, which suddenly is in transition following a last-place finish in the Atlantic Division. Chayka already has hired a new coach in Jim Hiller and last week acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade deal with Tampa Bay.
"Quickly putting to rest any speculation of a change of heart at the NHL draft Friday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, 18, with the first pick after he posted 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games for the Nittany Lions.
Sources
External links- ESPNJun 27, 2026, 12:35 AMAs expected, Maple Leafs draft McKenna at No. 1
Quickly putting to rest any speculation of a change of heart at the NHL draft Friday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, 18, with the first pick after he posted 15 goals and 51 points in 35 games for the Nittany Lions.
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 4:07 PMMaple Leafs on the clock with No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, with McKenna considered top prospect
General manager John Chayka and the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock in having the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft on Friday night, and with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna regarded as the top prospect. For the newly hired Chayka, the selection provides him the next opportunity to help reshape one of the NHL’s marquee franchises, which suddenly is in transition following a last-place finish in the Atlantic Division. Chayka already has hired a new coach in Jim Hiller and last week acquired defenseman Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade deal with Tampa Bay.
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