Gavin McKenna is already looking forward to life at the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft later this June. With the Maple Leafs holding the No. 1 draft pick and Penn State forward McKenna being the top prospect, it is very likely that they forge a partnership together.

In an X post from June 6, 2026, TSN reporter Mark Masters quoted McKenna’s thoughts on the current status of the Maple Leafs during his appearance at the NHL Scouting Combine. He also quoted his expectations for them after a tough 2025-26 season.

“Obviously the situation the Leafs are in right now, it’s pretty crazy they got the first overall pick,” said McKenna, . “They’re a team who’s probably going to be fighting for the playoffs next year so I’d be pretty fortunate to go there.”

In 2026, Toronto missed out on making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 10 years. They finished at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings with a record of 32-38-14 for 78 points last season.

It led to their new GM John Chayka firing head coach Craig Berube, who had secured their first Atlantic Division title the season prior with a 52-26-4 record (108 points).

The only positive came last month, when the Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery to secure the No. 1 pick. Chayka is unlikely to trade it for a marquee signing this summer.

Signing teenager McKenna as the first overall draft selection could be important for the Maple Leafs and Chayka. This will be the case if they want to add depth to their offensive line, particularly with stars like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies.

What Did Maple Leafs GM John Chayka Have to Say About Gavin McKenna?

Chayka met with Gavin McKenna in Whitehorse, Yukon, recently, and the 18-year-old made quite an initial impression on him.

Chayka discussed McKenna’s background and personality apart from his family and career on Friday, June 5.

“I spent a lot of time with him and his family now and going through that process. We want to make sure we get the person right, first and foremost,” said Chayka, per The Leafs Nation.

“Gavin is a really nice young man. Really quality family... Within that, I think there’s some real resolve around who he is and what his career means to him and his family, and I find it impressive.”

Despite the meeting with McKenna, Chayka might decide to bring in Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg instead of him as their No. 1 pick. The option of trading the first overall draft selection isn’t completely out of the question either.

The first round of the draft is slated to happen at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, June 26.

Will the Toronto Maple Leafs select top prospect Gavin McKenna in the draft or look the other way? Give us your prediction in the comments.

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Written by

Arjun Sharma

Edited by

Surjo Ray