Overview
- The Maple Leafs made the selection on Friday night when they took Gavin McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
- McKenna described Toronto as “the greatest market” and said he sees himself as a playmaker who must earn the chance to play with Auston Matthews.
- His résumé includes dominant junior and college scoring with 226 points in his final 117 WHL games, 51 points in 35 games at Penn State, and 14 points in seven World Junior games.
- Team sources publicly vetted McKenna before the draft and the club kept trade options open up to the pick, so the decision closes that phase for Toronto.
- McKenna is expected to join training camp in September where new head coach Jim Hiller will determine his role while the club monitors his defensive compete and playoff readiness.