Maple Leafs News & Analysis

Inside the Maple Leafs 2026 draft class: 10 picks led by Gavin McKenna, a third round that looked like a second, and Chayka's clear puck-moving blueprint.

The Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna No. 1 overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Here's who Toronto got, what comes next, and why the pick matters.

Maple Leafs draft day has arrived: Toronto picks No. 1 overall tonight in Buffalo and is set to take Gavin McKenna, its first top pick since Matthews in 2016.

Maple Leafs draft night arrives June 26 in Buffalo with the No. 1 pick and Gavin McKenna the likely choice — plus the trades Chayka could spring.

Gavin McKenna and the Maple Leafs become official June 26 in Buffalo as Toronto makes the No. 1 pick. The player, the numbers and the fit.

The McKenna pick looks like a rebuild, but Chayka kept Matthews, Knies and Nylander and spent cap space. This is a Maple Leafs retool, not a teardown.

The Maple Leafs draft-floor trade scenarios — a Rielly deal, a cap dump, moving the 60th pick — are the real story in Buffalo even with McKenna locked in.

The Maple Leafs 2026 draft picks start with McKenna at No. 1, then thin out — a second at 60th, two thirds, and trade-acquired leftovers. The full board.

A full Gavin McKenna scouting report ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft — his elite playmaking, the physicality questions, the Marner comp, and how the No. 1 pick fits the Maple Leafs.

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.

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.