The Toronto Maple Leafs shocked the hockey world at the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, jumping into the first overall spot after a disappointing season. With the pick already secured, Gavin McKenna, the Penn State forward, is already considered the best player available in this year's draft class. 

In an interview, the 18-year-old was asked the question that all the fans were already pondering about: how does McKenna feel about potentially becoming a Maple Leaf?

"Yeah, obviously it's the biggest hockey market in the world, that'd be pretty cool," he said. "I'd be very honoured." 

He also adds a hint that he had already done some homework on what’s going on.

"I heard good things about Toronto," said McKenna. "I've talked to some people, and it sounds like an amazing place." 

Toronto finished the season with a 32–36–14 record. The new general manager, John Chayka, didn’t reveal much about the Leafs’ plans after winning Tuesday’s lottery, but he still had high praise for the player.

“He’s an exciting player,” Chayka said. “The skill level, the creativity, his puck ability and his shot release is all pretty special. It’s a good package, so it will be good to get with the scouts and talk through it all.”

The Maple Leafs are moving into a new season, although still uncertain about Auston Matthews' future, and still looking for a coach. Scouts have consistently praised McKenna's ability to work around tight areas with his lateral skating, allowing him to put up offence.

McKenna models his own game after taking inspiration from Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov, and his confidence in tight spaces shows that reflection. 

Although he’s not a finished product yet, his potential is what makes him compelling.

Gavin McKenna's Journey from Whitehorse to Hockey's Biggest Stage

The journey to the top of the 2026 NHL Draft was not easy for McKenna. He was born on December 20, 2007, in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The McKenna family is a citizen of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, and McKenna has been carrying that heritage with respect. He also wore a traditional vest designed by his grandmother at the World Junior Championships in Ottawa. 

He moved away from home at age 12 to British Columbia for more hockey exposure. McKenna started living with a family they trusted, before eventually going on to join the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. 

His seasons at the WHL were record-setting. As a 16-year-old, he made 34 goals and scored 97 points in 61 games. Last season, he went even further to 41 goals and 129 points in 56 games, finishing second.

Instead of returning to junior hockey for his draft season, McKenna opted for Penn State, seeking tougher competition against older, more experienced players. The Penn State staff was heavily impressed by McKenna.

"His IQ, his brain, he sees plays in real time that other players can't," assistant coach Andrew Sturtz said. "Sometimes you're just like, how did he do that?"

As McKenna is projected as the No.1 pick for the 2026 NFL Draft, will Toronto consider his journey so far? Share your thoughts.

Read more at NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar