The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to make the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, with expectations building around their next franchise addition.
As draft day approaches, all indications point toward top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna being the Maple Leafs' choice.
McKenna is widely viewed as the best player available in the 2026 draft class, and he should become an instant centerpiece for Toronto's future alongside current captain Auston Matthews and fellow superstar winger William Nylander.
Speaking with TSN’s Gino Reda, McKenna himself already spoke about how he would fit into the Maple Leafs lineup. He outlined how his skill set could complement established talent, including captain Auston Matthews.
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“My game is a playmaker,” McKenna said when asked about how his game would mesh with the Leafs and Matthews in particular. “I can think the game very well, and I can find guys in spots where not many people can find them, so if you put me with a shooter, it could be pretty lethal.”
The comment reflects McKenna's confidence in becoming an impact player from the get-go, particularly as a playmaker capable of elevating teammates, let alone someone of Matthews' talent.
Toronto's captain is coming off back-to-back subpar seasons, scoring 33 and 27 goals in 2025 and 2024, respectively, but he scored a career-high 69 goals back in 2024.
McKenna’s comments suggest he's ready to step into a high-profile role and handle the expectations that come with it. As things stand, the Leafs could slide McKenna into their second forward line, pairing with veteran John Tavares, or place him in the first line flanking Matthews.
The Maple Leafs, coming off a disastrous 32-36-14 season and after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade, are expected to undergo major roster changes and search for offensive improvements.
The NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26-27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
