Toronto Just Went Chalk in the NHL Draft

The first domino of the 2026 NHL Draft has fallen.

The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick Friday night in Buffalo, ushering in a new era for one of hockey’s most storied franchises. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman welcomed McKenna to the stage alongside pop superstar Justin Bieber, a lifelong Maple Leafs fan, creating one of the night’s signature moments before the prized prospect slipped on the blue and white sweater.

McKenna entered the draft as the consensus top prospect after a standout season that cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone. Toronto wasted little time making the expected selection, adding an elite offensive talent to a club eager to return to Stanley Cup contention.

With the first overall pick officially in the books, the rest of the opening round is underway as NHL franchises look to reshape their futures with the next generation of stars.

Stay with EasySportz throughout the night for live draft coverage, instant analysis, pick grades and the biggest storylines as all 32 first-round selections come off the board.

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