Toronto Maple Leafs draft Gavin McKenna with first overall NHL pick
The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected 18-year-old winger Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft following his standout season at Penn State.
The Whitehorse native was widely expected to be chosen first overall in Buffalo after registering 51 points in 35 games for the Nittany Lions.
McKenna took advantage of recent NCAA eligibility rule changes to play collegiate hockey during the 2025-26 campaign following a prolific spell in the Western Hockey League.
During his time with the Medicine Hat Tigers, the dynamic forward amassed 79 goals and 165 points in just 133 appearances.
After donning the famous blue and white jersey on the broadcast, the draft’s top prospect was left visibly stunned.
“I’m so grateful. I have no words.”
Gavin McKenna
A decade since Matthews
Toronto secured the top selection after winning the draft lottery in May following their first failure to reach the postseason in ten years.
The Canadian franchise last held the number one pick exactly a decade ago when they drafted current club captain Auston Matthews.
While his defensive game is still developing, the highly-rated prospect is expected to step straight into the professional ranks this autumn.
The teenager was enthusiastic regarding the opportunity to link up with the established superstar in Toronto.
“He’s a special player. It’d mean the world to play with him.”
Front office overhaul
The new acquisition arrives during a period of significant transition for the organisation under newly appointed general manager John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller.
Chayka and Hiller replaced Brad Treliving and Craig Berube respectively after a disappointing campaign led to a comprehensive spring clear-out.
The revamped management team has already been extremely active in the trade market, securing Tampa Bay defenceman Darren Raddysh on an eight-year contract extension worth $68m (£53.8m).
In a separate transaction, starting goaltender Joseph Woll and defender Simon Benoit were shipped to the Philadelphia Flyers in a package yielding Samuel Ersson.
Ersson’s restricted free agent rights were subsequently flipped to the Ottawa Senators on Friday afternoon to conclude a frantic day of business.