Maple Leafs News & Analysis

The Maple Leafs draft strategy under Chayka: McKenna at No. 1, best player available after, and the draft floor as a venue for a Rielly or centre deal.

The 2026 NHL Draft for the Maple Leafs runs June 26-27 in Buffalo. Toronto picks No. 1 overall, Gavin McKenna is the favourite, and the Leafs hold seven picks.

Chayka wants a development-first Maple Leafs head coach, not another systems binder. His Pavelski interest and draft-day secrecy tell the whole story.

Maple Leafs draft picks: Toronto keeps No. 1 overall but owes first-rounders to Philadelphia and Boston through 2028. How the pick protections cascade.

A report from the NHL Combine says the Maple Leafs told Gavin McKenna he's their first overall pick. Why the choice over Ivar Stenberg looks settled before June 26.

Gavin McKenna and the Maple Leafs edged closer as GM John Chayka flew to Whitehorse to meet the projected No. 1 pick before the 2026 draft.

Should the Maple Leafs trade the No. 1 pick? No. Here's why Toronto should keep it, draft Gavin McKenna in Buffalo, and ignore the trade noise.

The Leafs first overall pick is a real choice between Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg ahead of Toronto's No. 1 selection in Buffalo on June 26.

Toronto wins the 2026 Leafs draft lottery from 8.5% odds, landing the No. 1 overall pick for the third time ever. Gavin McKenna is the heavy favourite.

A pre-lottery mock of all 32 first-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft, synthesizing rankings from Foley, Tankathon and NHL Central Scouting. McKenna to Cullen, including the Leafs at #5.

A Leafs-eye profile of Gavin McKenna — projected 2026 first-overall, 129 points at 17, elite vision, and the prospect Toronto would likely draft if the lottery breaks their way on May 5.

The 2026 NHL Draft Lottery on May 5 is the Leafs' whole offseason in one night. 41.8% to keep the pick. 8.5% at No. 1. Here's what each outcome means, through to 2028.