Ben Danford is ready to welcome a new superstar to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Following Toronto's 2026 NHL Draft Lottery win, the prospect analysed top candidates Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg. Danford believes either player would transform the organisation’s future.

The Toronto Maple Leafs recently won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and earned the right to the first overall pick. There is a possibility the team may select star forward Gavin McKenna, while another top young prospect is Ivar Stenberg.

Ben Danford spoke about both players and said he is excited to play with either one of them, no matter who gets picked. First, he talked about his old teammate, Gavin McKenna.

As reported by the Leafsnation, He praised McKenna’s elite skill, hockey sense, skating, shot, and overall offensive toolkit as exceptional.

“Gav’s a great guy. When it comes to skill, I don’t know how much more you can get than Gav has. The way he thinks the game, hands, his skating, shot, he’s got everything going for him. He’s a great guy off the ice as well. If he were to come to Toronto, I’d be pretty happy with that for sure.”

Ben Danford and Gavin McKenna played together for Canada at the 2026 World Juniors, winning a bronze medal. 

Danford described Stenberg as a highly skilled player. He said he saw a few clips of Stenberg, noting he does not personally know him.

“He’s a really skilled player. Obviously, I don’t know him as a guy. I’ve seen a bit of video on him and stuff. He looks like a good player, but who knows?”

Danford himself was the first-round pick in 2024. It will be interesting to see who will join him out of the two in the team. Danford also reflected on the Leafs winning the lottery.

What Did Ben Danford Say On The Maple Leafs Winning the Lottery?

Danford also talked about the Leafs winning the right to select the first pick. He was surprised by Toronto getting the first overall pick, initially thinking the broadcast referred to 2016.

Danford called it a great moment for the organisation and said he looks forward to meeting and bonding with the new young prospect.

"I was pretty stunned to be honest,” Danford said. “The odds weren’t very good to get first overall. We were out having dinner. I looked at the TV, and I thought they were talking about when they got the first overall pick in 2016."

The debate to pick one of Gavin or Stenberg is ongoing. McKenna is the most skilled offensive player with elite scoring, creativity, and superstar potential, but needs physical development.

"That’s crazy. That’s great. To bring in another young guy, and someone I could click with, whoever it is, I’m looking forward to meeting them. I think it’s great for the whole organization.” Danford said.

Stenberg, on the other hand, plays a balanced two-way game, shows strong hockey IQ, and looks more NHL-ready but has less offensive explosiveness.

Although the chances of picking Gavin McKenna are higher, the team cannot ignore Ivar Stenberg at all. We shall find out in a while who will join the likes of Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, and Ben Danford in the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What are your thoughts on this?

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi