The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft after winning the draft lottery on Tuesday. The Leafs, who finished with the fifth-worst record in the league, moved up four spots to claim the top selection.
Top Prospects Emerge
The draft class is headlined by Canadian forward Gavin McKenna and Swedish center Ivar Stenberg, who have separated themselves from the rest of the field. McKenna, a dynamic winger with exceptional speed and scoring ability, is projected to be the top pick. Stenberg, a skilled playmaker with a high hockey IQ, is considered a close second.
McKenna, 18, spent the 2025-26 season with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, recording 45 goals and 82 assists in 68 games. Stenberg, also 18, played for Frolunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League, tallying 18 goals and 34 assists in 52 contests.
Draft Lottery Results
The Vancouver Canucks will pick third, while the Chicago Blackhawks, who had the best odds to win the lottery, fell to fourth. The San Jose Sharks round out the top five.
- Toronto Maple Leafs (1st)
- Anaheim Ducks (2nd)
- Vancouver Canucks (3rd)
- Chicago Blackhawks (4th)
- San Jose Sharks (5th)
The draft is scheduled to take place June 26-27 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
