Overview
- The Maple Leafs, who had about an 8.5% chance, won Tuesday’s draft lottery to secure the No. 1 pick, their third top selection after Wendel Clark in 1985 and Auston Matthews in 2016.
- Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is widely projected as the top choice if Toronto keeps the pick, with Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg often named as the main alternative.
- John Chayka and senior advisor Mats Sundin called the result a monumental opportunity, and the front office must now decide whether to keep the pick or reshape the roster through trades.
- The development could influence Auston Matthews’ future after a report said he was not sure about returning next season, though no decision has been announced.
- San Jose moved up to the No. 2 slot, the first round is set for June 26 in Buffalo, and analysts say Toronto’s win immediately reframes how it allocates cap space and trade assets this summer.