The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found an unexpected answer to their post-Mitch Marner problems after winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and securing the No. 1 overall pick.
Toronto entered the lottery with only an 8.5% chance but jumped four spots after a disastrous 32-36-14 season. The organization is now widely expected to select Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, the consensus top prospect in the draft class.
Advertisement
MORE: Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney blast NHL Draft Lottery after Maple Leafs land No. 1 pick
Speaking on Jay On SC, TSN’s Mark Masters said McKenna could naturally fill the offensive gap left by Marner’s offseason departure.
“I know Craig Button has McKenna at the top of his list and at the top of his mock draft, and I think he’d be a great pick,” Masters said. “Kind of the natural successor, really, to Mitch Marner, right? That Mitch Marner left, the Leafs never really filled that void of a playmaking winger, and MacKenna has the ability to slot into that role.”
The comparison is significant because Toronto’s offense clearly lacked creativity and transition play after Marner left. Auston Matthews missed most of the second half with injury, but even before that, the Leafs struggled to generate consistent offense off the rush.
Advertisement
McKenna fits Toronto’s biggest offensive need
McKenna produced 51 points in 35 NCAA games at Penn State and built a reputation as one of hockey’s most dynamic young playmakers. His vision and puck control stand out immediately, but scouts also point to his composure under pressure.
“I’ve covered him at the last two World Juniors,” Masters said when discussing the Toronto spotlight. “Not the easiest World Juniors for Canada. McKenna was in the spotlight. He handled the media really well. He didn’t shy away from anything. He said he wanted the expectations. I think that he’ll be fine with that part of it.”
That matters in Toronto. The market magnifies every shift, especially for young stars expected to revive a struggling franchise.
Advertisement
New general manager John Chayka stopped short of confirming McKenna as the pick, but his comments strongly hinted at the organization’s admiration for the winger.
“I’ve kept track of him for a number of years now & the skill level, the creativity, obviously the puck ability & then his shot & release is all pretty special,” Chayka said. “Good package & it’ll be good to get with the scouts & talk through it all.”
Maple Leafs still has major roster flaws
Drafting McKenna would not instantly fix Toronto’s broader structural issues. The Leafs allowed 299 goals this season and were consistently overwhelmed defensively. Their transition game collapsed, their goaltending regressed, and their blue line lacked mobility after injuries piled up.
Advertisement
Still, elite offensive talent changes timelines quickly in the NHL.
MORE: New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka not concerned by external doubts
McKenna projects as a top-line creator capable of elevating Matthews and restoring the fast-paced attack Toronto lost when Marner departed. The Leafs also desperately need younger, cost-controlled talent after years of aggressive spending around their core.
Former Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner (16), center Auston Matthews (34) and teammates celebrate at Amalie Arena
For a franchise coming off what many called a disaster of a season, landing McKenna could reshape both the roster and the organization’s direction moving forward.