Maple Leafs win 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, will pick number 1 overall

· Yahoo Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs just changed their future in a big way. Toronto has won the NHL Draft Lottery and will hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, giving new general manager John Chayka a golden opportunity to reshape the franchise immediately. After being one of the league’s top teams for years, the Leafs had a tough season and now find themselves with a chance at a quick fix.

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The Maple Leafs entered the lottery with just an 8.5% chance to land the top pick—the fifth-best odds among the 16 participating teams. But the ping-pong balls fell their way. And now, Toronto controls the top of the draft board.

MORE: New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka not concerned by external doubts

A Potential Franchise Talent Awaits

Jan 5, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Canada forward Gavin McKenna (9) makes a pass against Finland during the second period in the third place game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey tournament at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

All signs point to Gavin McKenna as the likely No. 1 selection. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in hockey. His recent production speaks for itself:

  • 15 goals, 36 assists in 35 games at Penn State
  • 4 goals, 10 assists in 7 games at the 2026 World Juniors

McKenna also helped lead Canada to a bronze medal, further cementing his status as the top prospect in the class.

A Rare Opportunity in Franchise History

This marks just the third time in franchise history that the Maple Leafs will pick first overall. The previous two selections were historic:

  • 1985: Wendel Clark
  • 2016: Auston Matthews

Both players became cornerstone figures for the organization. Now, Toronto has another chance to land a franchise-defining talent.

May 4, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CANADA; Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley answers media questions between Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka (left) and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin during an introductory news conference at Real Sports Bar and Grill. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

A New Era Under Chayka

For John Chayka, this couldn’t have come at a better time.

As a new GM, landing the No. 1 pick allows him to:

  • Instantly impact the roster
  • Set the tone for his vision
  • Build around a potential superstar

Few executives get this kind of opportunity so early in their tenure. The Maple Leafs didn’t just win the lottery. They won a chance to reshape their future. And if Gavin McKenna becomes what many expect? This moment could define the next era of hockey in Toronto.


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