Overview
- Multiple mock drafts published on June 22 show Penn State winger Gavin McKenna as the strong favorite to be the Toronto Maple Leafs’ No. 1 overall pick.
- Significant uncertainty remains at No. 2, with analysts split between Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg and defenseman Chase Reid, a choice that would change the run of players available to teams picking later in the first round.
- A handful of prospects have climbed draft boards in recent weeks, notably Wyatt Cullen, whose late-season gains could produce surprises in the mid-to-late first round.
- Toronto also holds a second-round pick at 60th overall and TheLeafsNation recommends Day 2 targets including Matias Vanhanen, Brady Knowling, Rudolfs Bērzkalns, Ben Macbeath, and Jaxon Cover, with reporting noting Knowling is ranked as the top North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting in current lists.
- Maple Leafs GM John Chayka has signaled a best-player-available approach but keeps trade options open, and teams are still weighing combine interviews, in-person visits, and projection risks like size and consistency before Friday’s selections.