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Maple Leafs Target Gavin McKenna First Overall for Scoring Boost

5/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Toronto Maple Leafs plan to select Gavin McKenna with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Analyst Joshua Kloke says the draft’s selection of McKenna would give captain Auston Matthews a top-line winger.
Officials hope the pick keeps Matthews long-term, although some analysts prefer Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as an all-around option.
The Leafs need immediate scoring and face a June 26 deadline that leaves little time for development.

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Story summary

The Toronto Maple Leafs plan to select Gavin McKenna with the first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Analyst Joshua Kloke says the draft’s selection of McKenna would give captain Auston Matthews a top-line winger.
Officials hope the pick keeps Matthews long-term, although some analysts prefer Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as an all-around option.
The Leafs need immediate scoring and face a June 26 deadline that leaves little time for development.