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Maple Leafs Win 2026 Draft Lottery, Secure No. 1 Pick

5/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 pick on May 5, 2026 with an 8.5 percent chance.
GM John Chayka and adviser Mats Sundin celebrated at the NHL Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.
San Jose Sharks took No. 2 while Vancouver Canucks, despite an 18.5 percent chance, got No. 3.
Top prospects include Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna (15 G, 36 A) and Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg (33 pts).

History

Historical Context

Since the NHL introduced a draft lottery in 1995 and reshaped its weighting in 2012-13 and 2014-15, low-odds wins have become pivotal. On April 1 2005 the Penguins, with a 2 % chance, claimed the first overall pick and drafted Sidney Crosby. Fifteen years later, on May 5 2026 the Maple Leafs secured the top slot with an 8.5 % chance, illustrating the lottery’s lasting impact.

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Story summary

Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 pick on May 5, 2026 with an 8.5 percent chance.
GM John Chayka and adviser Mats Sundin celebrated at the NHL Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey.
San Jose Sharks took No. 2 while Vancouver Canucks, despite an 18.5 percent chance, got No. 3.
Top prospects include Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna (15 G, 36 A) and Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg (33 pts).

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