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Buffalo, USA: Toronto drafts Gavin McKenna first

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BUFFALO, New York — The Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday night, June 26, 2026, at KeyBank Center. The selection marked a key step in the franchise’s offseason rebuilding efforts and followed the team’s Draft Lottery win on May 5, when Toronto moved up from fifth to secure the No. 1 pick. The NHL arranged a high-profile presentation for the announcement, with Commissioner Gary Bettman joining pop star Justin Bieber, a prominent and vocal Maple Leafs supporter, on stage to reveal the choice to the crowd. Bieber walked to the podium alongside Bettman and then addressed the arena before formally introducing McKenna as the newest member of the Maple Leafs. McKenna, an 18-year-old left wing from Whitehorse, Yukon, sat in the front row with his family and said he suspected he was the pick when he locked eyes with Bieber moments before the announcement. Bieber pointed toward McKenna’s family and said, “Mr. McKenna, we’d like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” capping an emotional moment for the player. McKenna entered the draft as the top-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting after a standout freshman season at Penn State University in 2025–26, when he tied for fifth in NCAA scoring with 51 points, including 15 goals and 36 assists, in 35 games and closed the year with 33 points over his final 19 contests.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 5, 2026: Toronto wins NHL Draft Lottery
May 5, 2026: Maple Leafs move from fifth position
2025–26 season: McKenna plays for Penn State
2025–26 season: Records 51 points in 35 games
Late 2025–26 season: Tallies 33 points in 19
June 26, 2026: NHL Draft held in Buffalo
June 26, 2026: Justin Bieber announces McKenna selection
June 26, 2026: McKenna joins Toronto Maple Leafs

Why This Matters to You

If you're a hockey fan, this is big. Toronto's selection of Gavin McKenna signals a fresh start for the team. His impressive record at Penn State suggests he could be a game-changer. Keep an eye on the Maple Leafs' performance next season.

The Bottom Line

Gavin McKenna is now the face of Toronto's rebuilding efforts. His selection as the first overall pick in the NHL Draft is a testament to his talent. If you're a sports enthusiast, this is a story worth sharing with your hockey-loving friends.