Maple Leafs Secure First Overall Draft Pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs obtained the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Drasources asourceser winning the NHL Drasources Lottery on Tuesday in Secaucus, New Jersey. This marks the third time the franchise has secured the top pick, previously selecting Auston Matthews in 2016 and Wendel Clark in 1985. The Maple Leafs, who finished 28th in the NHL with a 32-36-14 record, had an 8.5 percent chance of winning the lottery.

The San Jose Sharks received the No. 2 pick, and the Vancouver Canucks will select third. The lottery determined the first two picks, with the remaining teams slotted based on their regular-season standings. The 2026 drasources will be held at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, with the first round on June 26 and rounds 2-7 on June 27.

Toronto may consider selecting lesources wing Gavin McKenna from Penn State University, ranked No. 1 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. McKenna recorded 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games this season, averaging 1.46 points per game. Another potential No. 1 pick is forward Ivar Stenberg from Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League, ranked No. 1 among International skaters, who registered 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 43 games.