Gavin McKenna admitted that the prospect of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs would be a special opportunity if the team uses the No. 1 pick on him in this year’s NHL Draft.
Speaking at the NHL Scouting Combine on Friday, the projected top pick said Toronto’s position as a playoff-caliber team made the situation even more appealing.
“Going to a Canadian market would be pretty special,” McKenna said, per Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun. “The situation the Leafs are in right now, it’s pretty crazy that they got the first overall pick. Their team is probably going to be fighting for the playoffs next year. I’d be pretty fortunate to go there.”
Toronto landed the top selection despite entering the draft lottery with just an 8.5 percent chance of winning it. The pick gives new general manager John Chayka an opportunity to begin his tenure by selecting the player many expect to go first overall.
McKenna, who remains committed to Penn State, has not yet signed an NHL contract and will become eligible to do so after being drafted. The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, with the opening round set for June 26.
The 18-year-old recorded 51 points (15 goals and 36 assists) in 35 games during his freshman season at Penn State and also helped Canada win bronze at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Toronto has not had many opportunities to pick first overall in franchise history. The Maple Leafs last held the top selection in 2016, when they drafted Auston Matthews. Before that, the organization used the No. 1 pick on Wendel Clark in 1985.
John Chayka spoke highly of Gavin McKenna
Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka had plenty of positive things to say about Gavin McKenna earlier on Friday, pointing to both his ability on the ice and the values he brings away from hockey.
“Obviously the brain and the talent is evident. Just the instincts and his raw ability, I think are interesting,” Chayka said. “And the quality of the family, the quality of the people, how much family means to him. His roots, how important it is for him to give back to his community that’s given him so much. I think those are all really interesting things.”
Chayka also spoke about visiting Gavin McKenna in his hometown saying he came away impressed by the 18-year-old’s mindset and the importance he places on family.
“He’s a small-town kid,” Chayka said. “Within that I think that there’s some real resolve around who he is, and what his career means to him and his family, and I find him impressive.”
Even so, Toronto’s plans with the No. 1 pick remain unclear. While Gavin McKenna is widely expected to be the top selection, the Maple Leafs have other options to consider.
Some projections have linked Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg to the first overall pick while Toronto could also explore trading the selection before draft night.
Edited by Sonali Verma
