Maple Leafs select Gavin McKenna first overall at NHL draft

The Toronto Maple Leafs used the No. 1 pick at the 2026 NHL draft to select forward Gavin McKenna on Friday in Buffalo, adding one of hockey’s top prospects to a team looking to rebound after a difficult season. The 18yearold from Whitehorse, Yukon, was introduced with help from musician Justin Bieber, who announced the pick after McKenna’s name was called. McKenna described the moment as a dream come true and said he was excited to join a team with a large fan base and high expectations. McKenna arrives in Toronto after a strong freshman season at Penn State and dominant junior hockey success in the WHL. The Maple Leafs, who finished 28th last season, also have a new general manager and head coach as they try to strengthen a roster led by Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares. Elsewhere in the first round, the San Jose Sharks selected Ivar Stenberg second overall and the Vancouver Canucks took centre Caleb Malhotra at No. 3. The draft continues Saturday with rounds two through seven.