The Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday in Buffalo, New York. McKenna, an 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, entered the draft following a notable freshman season at Penn State, where he scored 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games. He also contributed to Team Canada’s bronze medal performance at the World Junior Championships, recording 14 points in seven games.
The selection marked the third time in franchise history that the Maple Leafs secured the top overall draft pick. Previous first overall selections by Toronto include Auston Matthews in 2016 and Wendel Clark in 1985. Matthews, who remains a key player for Toronto, welcomed McKenna to the team via a video message following the pick. McKenna expressed excitement about the opportunity to play alongside Matthews and noted his eagerness to learn from the experienced roster.
Toronto’s general manager John Chayka and senior adviser Mats Sundin, recently appointed to their roles, made the decision straightforward after winning the draft lottery. The franchise also announced Jim Hiller as its new head coach ahead of the draft.
At second overall, the San Jose Sharks selected Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg. The 18-year-old recorded 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games last season with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League. Stenberg joins a Sharks team focused on youth development, which already includes prospects Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa. Stenberg expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization and competing for a roster spot.
The Vancouver Canucks picked center Caleb Malhotra third overall. Malhotra, who played for Brantford in the Ontario Hockey League, is the son of Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra and the nephew of NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash. The selection was an emotional moment for both father and son, with Manny Malhotra emphasizing his pride in his son’s achievements and asking to focus the day on Caleb’s accomplishment.
The hometown Buffalo Sabres made the fourth pick, selecting defenseman Daxon Rudolph from the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert team. Rudolph described himself as a player committed to a complete game, contributing both offensively and defensively. The Sabres’ pick was announced by former Buffalo Bills running back Thurman Thomas, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the local crowd.
Rounding out the top five, the New York Rangers chose defenseman Alberts Smits from Finland’s Liiga. Smits, who spent the end of the season on loan with Red Bull Munchen in Germany, became the highest-drafted Latvian player in NHL history. The 6-foot-3, 209-pound defender is known for his physicality and is expected to bolster the Rangers’ defensive corps.
Other notable selections in the top 10 included defensemen Carson Carels (Calgary Flames, 6th), Chase Reid (Seattle Kraken, 7th), and Keaton Verhoeff (San Jose Sharks, 9th), along with centers Viggo Bjorck (Winnipeg Jets, 8th) and Tynan Lawrence (St. Louis Blues, 11th), and forward Wyatt Cullen (Nashville Predators, 10th). Cullen, whose father Matt Cullen won three Stanley Cups during his NHL career, is set to play collegiate hockey at Minnesota.
The New Jersey Devils selected Swedish center Alexander Command with the 12th pick. The draft’s remaining rounds, from two to seven, are scheduled for Saturday.