Overview
- The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 draft lottery and now control the No. 1 overall pick for the upcoming late‑June draft in Buffalo.
- Gavin McKenna is the consensus favorite to go first overall after a 51‑point season at Penn State and he told TSN he would be "very honoured" to join the Maple Leafs.
- New general manager John Chayka praised McKenna’s skill and, according to league sources reported by Pierre LeBrun, will listen to trade offers for the pick though most outlets call an actual trade unlikely.
- Internal evaluation remains active: Ivar Stenberg and Caleb Malhotra have gained traction with some scouts, and Toronto’s pending coaching hire plus questions about core players add urgency to the decision.
- The pick’s use will shape Toronto’s near term path — a McKenna selection creates a new star to build around while trading the asset would require an extraordinary return and could immediately reshape the roster and player futures.