Things finally looking up for Maple Leafs ahead of next season

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a forgettable 2025-26 season. After nearly a year of ups and downs, injuries, and many losses, things finally seem to be starting to take a positive turn for the franchise.

Toronto had the opportunity to take significant steps in recent weeks to rebuild its front office, after finishing last in the Atlantic Division with 78 points and a 32-36-14 record.

After a terrible campaign, things seem to be getting better little by little. To start, the Leafs already have a new general manager, so there is now more certainty and stability within the organization.

Maple Leafs land No. 1 pick, hire GM as franchise takes positive turn

Last week, Toronto stepped forward by officially naming John Chayka as the new GM, while Mats Sundin became the new senior executive advisor for hockey operations.

Additionally, the Leafs received a big boost a few days ago, on May 5, as it was confirmed that, defying the odds, Toronto secured the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft Lottery. Fans quickly celebrated this, even naming their favorite prospect: forward Gavin McKenna, from Penn State University.

According to David Pagnotta, both McKenna's camp and captain Auston Matthews' camp are very excited about the possibility of playing together.

Pagnotta explained that the opportunity for McKenna, 18, to join an Original Six franchise, play in one of hockey's biggest markets, and potentially learn alongside a former first-overall pick, Matthews, 28, is viewed as extremely exciting on his end.

And speaking of Matthews, Elliotte Friedman reported that he is expected to begin more serious talks with the Maple Leafs once the franchise has fully developed its expectations for next season's roster.

This is not exactly good news, because the report leaves his future open, but having the possibility of signing McKenna could certainly influence Matthews' view that the franchise is heading in the right direction.

Only the future of coach Craig Berube and a few other important players in Toronto remains to be decided, but overall, things seem to be getting better.