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The 2026 NHL Draft began Friday night at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, home of the Buffalo Sabres, and while drafts usually provide their share of surprises, the first overall pick was not one.
The Toronto Maple Leafs “got” the first pick after a dismal 2025-26 campaign, and used it to select Penn State star Gavin McKenna.
The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, has been the presumptive leader in the 2026 NHL Draft class for years up to this point.
TOP NHL PROSPECT GAVIN MCKENNA CHARGED WITH ASSAULT IN INCIDENT AT PENN STATE CENTER, COURT DOCUMENT SHOWN
The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State’s Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
However, even though new Leafs general manager John Chayka met with McKenna at his home, the team remained silent about his decision.
But in the end, he was always going to be the man to hear his name called first this year, but not before Justin Bieber made an awkward announcement.
Maybe don’t skip the review next time, Biebs.
However, the choice stands: Gavin McKenna is a Toronto Maple Leaf.
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The Leafs certainly have some needs to address. Their goaltending is questionable (although that’s hard to fix quickly during the draft), and the blue line could use some additional size. This draft featured several players who could have helped in that regard, including Europe’s Albert Smits and Chase Reid of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie. Maria Greyhounds.
But in the end, McKenna is the kind of ultra-talented player you pick regardless of your needs.
He had 51 points (15G, 36A) in just 35 games at Penn State last season, so even if he’s not a top-line winger, he’ll help fill out the Leafs’ second or third line nicely.
Gavin McKenna (left) poses with singer Justin Bieber, who announced the selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs. ((Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images))
McKenna will have to make an impact quickly as the team looks to turn things around quickly under new coach Jim Hiller, and he will have to do it under pressure.
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But he can handle it. He’s dealt with a lot of attention so far in his career, and even some considerable off-ice distractions, to put together a solid freshman season and prepare well to be the No. 1 pick.
After McKenna, the San Jose Sharks selected Swede Ivar Stenberg with the second pick, while the Vancouver Canucks used the third pick on Caleb Malhotra, son of former NHL player and current Canucks coach Manny Malhotra.
