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With Gavin McKenna Top Prospect, Maple Leafs Begin Rebuilding with No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
The 18-year-old winger has 129 points in 56 WHL games and 51 points in 35 college games, making him the top-rated North American skater.
- On Friday, the Maple Leafs enter the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo holding the first overall pick, with 18-year-old Gavin McKenna widely projected as their top choice.
- The Maple Leafs secured this top selection after winning the draft lottery last month, marking a pivotal moment following a difficult 2025-26 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time with Auston Matthews.
- General manager John Chayka, who recently visited McKenna in the Yukon, confirmed Friday the front office is unanimous on the selection without revealing the prospect's name.
- Other NHL executives anticipate a volatile draft, with San Jose GM Mike Grier noting, "Everyone's board is going to be drastically different" as teams aggressively trade picks.
- McKenna, an 18-year-old forward from Whitehorse, expressed gratitude as he prepares to join an Original Six franchise, saying, "I'm very grateful for where I'm at today.
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Gavin McKenna would be 'pumped' to go No. 1 to Leafs in NHL draft
The Toronto Maple Leafs own the No. 1 pick at the NHL draft – and Gavin McKenna wants to hear his name called first. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse is the top-ranked North American skater heading into the first round. The Vancouver Canucks are poised to select third after the San Jose Sharks go at No. 2.
·Canada
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Associated Press News+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
With Gavin McKenna top prospect, Maple Leafs begin rebuilding with No. 1 pick in NHL draft
The rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft that opens on Friday night. The Leafs find themselves in a familiar position and setting, 10 years after selecting Auston Matthews with the first pick of the 2016 draft.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 43%
C 57%
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