Overview
- Toronto secured the first overall selection in the 2026 draft and New GM John Chayka traveled to Whitehorse this week to meet Gavin McKenna and his family as part of extensive in-person vetting.
- Chayka told reporters at the NHL Scouting Combine that the club is following a best-player-available approach and that “the probability is we take the pick,” though the Leafs remain open to exceptionally strong offers.
- McKenna finished combine interviews without incident and is the near-consensus favourite for No. 1, but high-end alternatives such as Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid and Caleb Malhotra remain under active consideration.
- Decisions by the San Jose Sharks at No. 2 and the Vancouver Canucks at No. 3, including possible trades, are likely to determine who remains available after the top selection and could reshape the top of the board.
- Toronto’s pick comes while the team is not in a full rebuild, the club is searching for a head coach, and the Leafs completed due diligence on a dropped assault charge involving McKenna, all factors that affect roster timing and public scrutiny.