Getty
BUFFALO, NEW YORK – JUNE 26: (L-R) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman looks on as Gavin McKenna of Canada and singer Justin Bieber look on after McKenna was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the first overall pick during day one of the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The Toronto Maple Leafs were busy at the 2026 NHL Draft and appear to have fast-tracked its rebuild. Toronto was fortunate to win the draft lottery, earning the 1st overall selection. General manager John Chayka also acquired additional picks through trades at the draft.
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Maple Leafs after the end of their lackluster 2025-26 season. Craig Berube was relieved of his duties as head coach, following Brad Treliving’s firing in March.
Now, Chayka and Mats Sundin are set to begin their first free agency period at the helm following a busy NHL Draft. The Leafs selected 10 players, including Gavin McKenna, whom they selected 1st overall.
Toronto Maple Leafs: All Selections Made at 2026 NHL Draft
Check out who the Toronto Maple Leafs selected at the 2026 NHL Draft and 2025-26 stats below:
Round
Player
Previous Team
Stats
1
Gavin McKenna
Penn State University (NCAA)
35 GP | 15G | 36A | 51PTS
2
Alexander Bilecki
Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
66GP | 9G | 20A | 29PTS
3
Ethan MacKenzie
Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
59GP | 22G | 36A | 58PTS
3
Zach Olsen
Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
57GP | 18G | 16A | 34PTS
3
Mans Gudmundsson
Farjestads Jr. (Swe-Jr)
35GP | 1G | 24A | 25PTS
3
Jusso Ainasto
Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)
14 GP | 3.28 GAA | .892 SV%
4
Patriks Plumins
Zemgale (Latvia)
16 GP | 1.50 GAA | .927 SV%
5
Cooper Williams
Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
66 GP | 23 G | 34 A | 57 PTS
6
Yaroslav Fedoseyev
Chelyabinsk Belye Medvedi (Rus-MHL)
Chelyabinsk Chelmet (Rus-VHL)
Chelyabinsk Traktor (KHL)
24 GP | 2 G | 11 A | 13 PTS
25 GP | 1 G | 5 A | 6 PTS
9 GP | 1 G | 1 pT
6
Brody Pepoy
Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
67 GP | 16 G | 13 A | 29 PTS
Each selection will be invited to the Maple Leafs’ upcoming rookie camp. There, management and scouts will get a better idea of where each player is at in his development.
Additionally, the players will get a chance to experience a professional environment for the first time. This is an important next step in their hockey careers. They will find out what they need to improve upon before returning to their respective junior teams.
Â
High Hopes for Leafs 1st Overall Selection
GettyBUFFALO, NEW YORK – JUNE 26: Gavin McKenna poses for a portrait after being selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs during day one of the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joe Hrycych/Getty Images)
While the Leafs have long-term plans for its other draft selections, the team certainly has high hopes for McKenna.
McKenna, 18, is expected to be on the Leafs’ opening night roster in October. Head coach Jim Hiller will likely ease him into the lineup rather than immediately pairing him with Auston Matthews.
McKenna is coming off a strong NCAA season, during which he became the first Penn State player to win a Big Ten scoring title. What makes that achievement even more impressive is that he did so as a freshman.
The 18-year-old’s best game came against Ohio State, where he finished with eight points.
McKenna is regarded for his playmaking ability, which makes him a natural fit on a line with Matthews or William Nylander.
After Mitch Marner‘s departure last season, the Leafs were unable to replace the offensive production they lost. That left a noticeable void in the lineup.
Given McKenna’s skill set, the Leafs could have another offensive threat in their lineup, particularly on the power play.
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
More about Giancarlo Aulino
More Heavy on Maple Leafs
Loading more stories