The Toronto Maple Leafs emerged from the NHL draft lottery on Tuesday night with the first overall pick, a stunning result that sent shockwaves through the league and left several fan bases, particularly in Vancouver, feeling disappointed.
Toronto Maple Leafs: No. 1 Pick
The Leafs are expected to select either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg when the draft begins on June 26. With over seven weeks until the first round, speculation will intensify. Trading the pick seems unlikely unless new general manager John Chayka receives an overwhelming offer. McKenna could slot in beside captain Auston Matthews on the top line, or become a cornerstone if Matthews departs. A top defenceman would be the target in any Matthews trade package.
San Jose Sharks: No. 2 Pick
The Sharks have a strong forward core with Macklin Celebrini, Michael Misa, and Will Smith. Taking defenceman Chase Reid from the Soo Greyhounds would address a key need. General manager Mike Grier could also trade the pick.
Vancouver Canucks: No. 3 Pick
Despite having the best lottery odds at 25.5%, the Canucks fell to third. They have never picked first overall. If Ivar Stenberg is available, he would be a consolation prize. Alternatively, defenceman Chase Reid or centre Caleb Malhotra, son of Abbotsford Canucks coach Manny Malhotra, are options.
Chicago Blackhawks: No. 4 Pick
The Blackhawks have young centres Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar. Adding Caleb Malhotra would solidify the middle. Chicago needs scoring, and Malhotra could help. Defence is less of a priority with Alex Vlasic, Wyatt Kaiser, and Artyom Levshunov in the pipeline.
New York Rangers: No. 5 Pick
The Rangers need help across the board. A defenceman like Keaton Verhoeff, Carson Carels, or Alberts Smits makes sense. Verhoeff, at 6-foot-4, combines size, offence, and physicality.
Calgary Flames: No. 6 Pick
The Flames have promising defencemen Zayne Parekh, Hunter Brzustewicz, and Etienne Morin. Carson Carels, who had 20 goals and 73 points for Prince George, would be a strong addition.
Seattle Kraken: No. 7 Pick
The Kraken have drafted forwards in all five previous first rounds. They need a blue-chip defenceman. Alberts Smits is big, mobile, and confident. Alternatively, they could take forward Viggo Bjorck or Tynan Lawrence.
Winnipeg Jets: No. 8 Pick
If Tynan Lawrence is available, he could end a run of defencemen. After 17 points in 13 games with Muskegon, he transferred to Boston University. General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff might try to trade up.
Florida Panthers: No. 9 Pick
Viggo Bjorck, at 5-foot-9, is not intimidated by physical play. He could learn under captain Aleksander Barkov. Bjorck played a key role in Sweden's world junior gold medal win. The Panthers are expected to rebound in 2026-27.
Nashville Predators: No. 10 Pick
Captain Roman Josi is 35, so drafting a defenceman like Daxon Rudolph makes sense. If Rudolph is gone, a forward like Bjorck or Lawrence could be selected.
