SECAUCUS, N.J. — The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed the top spot in Tuesday night’s NHL draft lottery, securing the first overall pick in the 2026 draft in what could prove to be a franchise-altering moment during a pivotal period for the organization.
The lottery victory arrived just over two days following Toronto’s appointment of John Chayka as their new general manager and the return of beloved former captain Mats Sundin in an advisory role for hockey operations. While Chayka and team president Keith Pelley faced difficult questions during their recent introductory press conference, the mood shifted dramatically at the team’s headquarters following news of landing the coveted first selection.
“I’m extremely happy for the Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase, of course,” Sundin said. “Certainly this is really going to help when you’re looking into the future and try to help this team and what we’re looking for the future for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so it’s great to get the first pick.”
NHL Central Scouting has identified Penn State’s Gavin McKenna and Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as the premier North American and European prospects available. McKenna has long been viewed as the likely first overall selection.
“I’ve kept track of him for a number of years now, and the skill level, the creativity, obviously the puck ability and then his shot and release is all pretty special,” Chayka said. “A good package, and it’ll be good to get with the scouts and talk through it all, but I know there’s a lot of passion for a lot of players, including Gavin.”
Toronto’s new leadership faces pressing decisions regarding captain Auston Matthews following the team’s first playoff absence during his tenure. This marks the franchise’s first lottery triumph since selecting Matthews first overall in 2016, with the upcoming draft returning to Buffalo where that historic pick was made.
The Maple Leafs entered the lottery with just 8.5% odds of winning, ranking fifth among all teams. Vancouver held the best chances at 18.5% despite never having secured a first overall pick in franchise history. Toronto narrowly avoided transferring this selection to Boston as part of last year’s Brandon Carlo trade, which would have triggered had the pick fallen outside the top five.
As compensation, Boston and Philadelphia will receive Toronto’s first-round selections in 2027 and 2028, though deputy commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged the complex situation requires further resolution regarding the order.
The San Jose Sharks captured the second overall pick in the lottery. General Manager Mike Grier now has another opportunity to strengthen a developing roster already featuring Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa.
“There’s lots of options there,” Grier said. “There’s centers, there’s ‘D,’ there’s wingers, so to have the opportunity to add another very talented player to our young core is very exciting.”
