Toronto Maple Leafs Likely to Select Forward Gavin McKenna with First Overall Pick

A mock draft by The Athletic lists forward Gavin McKenna as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ projected selection with the first overall pick in the NHL Draft on June 26. The Leafs hold this pick after the 2025-26 season, and no trade has been reported.

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The Leafs finished the most recent season with a record described as “miserable,” and lost winger Mitch Marner in the prior off-season. Management has identified a need for more scoring depth and a reliable partner for captain Auston Matthews to sustain offense.

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Prospect Gavin McKenna is a marketable forward with elite skill. Analyst Joshua Kloke, writing for The Athletic, highlighted his potential impact. Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg, the consensus #2 pick, is cited as an alternative. The Maple Leafs front office has not issued an official comment on either prospect.

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Selecting McKenna could provide a winger to play alongside Matthews, potentially influencing Matthews’ long-term contract decisions. Analysts argue McKenna’s NHL readiness may allow immediate contribution, addressing the team’s scoring deficit without a multi-year development period.

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Commentators argue that Ivar Stenberg offers a balanced style reminiscent of Marner’s play. They contend that choosing Stenberg over McKenna could avoid polarizing fan reaction and align with a broader strategic approach to roster construction.

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Public information consists of the mock draft and commentary; the Maple Leafs organization has not confirmed any draft target. No official statements on McKenna’s NHL readiness or a potential trade of the first-overall pick have been released, leaving the decision unverified.

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• “A franchise-altering talent ticks so many boxes for the Leafs: Drafting McKenna is the silver lining after a miserable season, it gives the Leafs a winger to play alongside Auston Matthews for years — and potentially helps convince him to stay long-term — and it could help the team get new buy-in from a beleaguered fanbase.” — Joshua Kloke, analyst (The Athletic)

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• “He’s the type of player who could get into the NHL right away.” — Heavy.com staff writer

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• “It’s pretty much McKenna or bust from now until June 26, when the first round of the NHL Draft is set to take place.” — Heavy.com staff writer

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The NHL Draft’s first round begins on June 26. The Maple Leafs are expected to announce their selection then, and observers will monitor any last-minute trade activity or official statements that could alter the projected outcome.

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