Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores a goal and celebrates with left wing Matthew Knies (23) against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Apr 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores a goal and celebrates with left wing Matthew Knies (23) against the Dallas Stars during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Following the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs wasted no time assembling a 53-player development camp headlined by No. 1 pick Gavin McKenna.
“A total of 53 players (29 forwards, 18 defencemen, 6 goaltenders) are slated to take part in this year’s development camp,” an official Maple Leafs article read on June 30. “Attending this year’s camp will be 23 Maple Leaf draft picks. Including all 10 of Toronto’s selections from the 2026 NHL Draft.”
McKenna, the consensus top prospect, will lead a group of 10 draft picks from this year, including Zach Olsen, Cooper Williams and Brody Pepoy.
As per NHL.com, There will be defencemen Alexander Bilecki, Ethan MacKenzie, Måns Gudmunsson and Yaroslav Fedoseyev. Goaltenders Juuso Ainasto and Patriks Plumins also made it to the list.
Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Gavin McKenna poses with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Gavin McKenna poses with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
But apart from these top prospects, this 53-player roster will include 13 draftees from prior drafts. There will also be 3 players who are under NHL contracts, one under an AHL contract, and 26 of the Maple Leafs' free agents.
The camp will test whether McKenna's confidence translates to on-ice performance, as he is eagerly waiting to get started with the Maple Leafs.
Gavin McKenna Voiced Eagerness to Prove Himself
Making it to the team itself was a moment McKenna would call a “dream come true.” And that excitement was visible during his press conference with the Maple Leafs after the draft on June 27, 2026.
“I can’t wait to get going. I’ve been seeing team posts for the last month. I love it. It is one of the most passionate fan bases out there. I can’t wait,” he stated as reported by MapleLeafshotstove.“It is the biggest market out there. I am confident in myself, and I want to do (well).”
Playing with his role model, Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews, in front of a dedicated fanbase he’s already in love with, no wonder the 18-year-old would be eager for this development camp, too. Now, how much it helps his development will be a must-watch.
Are you excited to see him hit the ice rink soon? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi