Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Alexander Bilecki, selected 60th overall in the 2026 NHL draft, is making an impression at the team's development camp with a combination of skill and confidence. The 18-year-old defenceman from Mississauga, fresh off winning the Memorial Cup with the Kitchener Rangers in May, is rooming with top prospect Gavin McKenna and already enjoying unique experiences like attending a World Cup match.
From Draft Day to Development Camp
Bilecki entered last weekend expecting to be drafted, and the hometown Maple Leafs called his name in the second round. Just days later, he is at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke, soaking in the NHL environment. "I think I'll look in the mirror and know that I earned this, I earned my spot to be here, but I still have a lot to prove, and it's the start of the journey," Bilecki said on Friday. "That's how I like to look at it. I have to have that mentality."
His draft year was marked by significant growth. Kitchener Rangers general manager Mike McKenzie told the Toronto Sun that Bilecki's consistency improved throughout the 2025-26 season, making him a key performer. "He was on a good team with other good players, so nothing was given to him, which in the long run probably helped his development a lot, in that he had to work for every minute of ice time he could get," McKenzie said. "He has the ability to be one of the top defencemen in the league on both sides of the puck."
Memorial Cup Champion with a Chip on His Shoulder
Winning the Memorial Cup has added to Bilecki's confidence. "I don't really like to boast about it, but you know, people ask, I go: 'Yeah, I'm a Memorial Cup champion,'" he said. "That has always been part of my game, part of me as a person, where I have a chip on my shoulder."
Bilecki describes himself as a "skinnier, lankier guy" who is working on getting stronger but maintains a gritty edge. "I'll always have that fight in me, that grit," he added. His competitive nature was evident during camp, where he has shown bite in his game.
Unique Experiences with Gavin McKenna
Rooming with Gavin McKenna, a highly touted prospect who recently signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Leafs, has provided Bilecki with memorable moments. The two attended a World Cup Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia, where they saw Cristiano Ronaldo score. "It was a great experience, thanks to him. We talked about it — it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to tell our grandkids, that we got to see Cristiano Ronaldo play, and score a goal too," Bilecki said.
They also took batting practice at the Rogers Centre, adding to a whirlwind week. Despite the excitement, Bilecki remains focused on his hockey development.
Looking Ahead
Bilecki will return to the Rangers for the 2026-27 season, with the NCAA route a possible option in two years. As a second-round pick, he is considered a strong bet to eventually reach the NHL. He welcomes the added attention that comes with being a higher pick. "I love it," Bilecki said. "I think I showed that in playoffs, in the Memorial Cup, where stakes are high, bigger situation, I elevated my game. I think I'll continue to do that next year and in the years to follow. I just want to prove that it was the right pick (by the Leafs)."
