Toronto selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the NHL draft Friday night in Buffalo, continuing to build its roster under new general manager John Chayka. The 18-year-old left winger from Whitehorse, Yukon, has been widely regarded as the top prospect in his age group for more than two years, a reputation confirmed by his selection.

McKenna, who gained attention on both sides of the border for his scoring ability, has compiled an impressive career, including 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers. Transitioning to the NCAA last year, he tallied 51 points in his freshman season at Penn State, finishing tied for fourth nationally and scoring 32 points in his last 17 games. His collegiate success places him among a select few NCAA players chosen first overall, including Michigan defenseman Owen Power in 2021.

The announcement was made by Canadian pop star and longtime Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber, who joined NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on stage. Bieber described his excitement, saying, “the child in me is ecstatic,” before officially welcoming McKenna to Toronto. Bieber also introduced a video message from Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who was Toronto’s top pick a decade ago when the draft was last held in Buffalo. Matthews praised McKenna’s achievement and expressed eagerness to integrate him into the team’s efforts to regain competitive standing.

The draft began with the customary boos directed at Bettman as he took the stage. His introduction was followed by appearances from Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Doan and Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, who led the arena in a cheer for the home team before the draft proceedings advanced.

McKenna’s selection marks a significant milestone for Yukon, where hockey prospects seldom reach such high draft positions. He is the fifth player born in the territory to be drafted and holds the highest position to date, surpassing Dylan Cozens, who was picked seventh overall by Buffalo in 2019. Moving from a city of about 39,000 residents to Toronto, one of North America’s largest metropolitan areas, McKenna faces a substantial change in environment alongside increased expectations.

Following Toronto’s last-place finish in the Atlantic Division and its first playoff miss since Matthews joined the team, McKenna is expected to be a key figure in the franchise’s rebuilding phase. The Sharks selected Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg second overall, Vancouver chose center Caleb Malhotra third, and Buffalo picked defenseman Daxon Rudolph fourth.