Overview
- Topping Tuesday night’s drawing, Toronto jumped from 8.5% odds to secure the top pick, leapfrogging higher-odds clubs and earning the franchise’s third No. 1 selection.
- Penn State forward Gavin McKenna is widely projected at first overall, though new GM John Chayka has not committed and noted the team will lean on upcoming scouting meetings.
- San Jose vaulted to No. 2 from ninth, and GM Mike Grier said he is open to listening to offers for the pick, with Ivar Stenberg viewed by many as the next-best prospect if they keep it.
- Earlier Tuesday, The Athletic reported Auston Matthews was unsure about returning next season, and several outlets suggested the lottery outcome could influence those talks.
- The draft opens June 26 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, and the shuffle has ripple effects across the order, including the Rangers sliding to fifth as teams map trades and evaluations.