Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Leafs pick McKenna No.1; Blues three first-rounds, Vegas forfeits second

6/20/2026

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna with No. 1 pick in 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
San Jose Sharks hold No. 2 pick for a second year and may select Ivar Stenberg or trade it.
St. Louis Blues own three first-round picks at No. 11, No. 15 and No. 29.
Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick after the league announced the penalty on May 15, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The NHL’s first draft lottery in 1995 let non-playoff teams move up four spots, giving the Ottawa Senators a 25 % chance to keep the top pick, which they used on defenseman Bryan Berard. That system replaced guaranteed worst-team selections and curbed tanking, a shift that still shapes today’s drafts, such as Toronto’s No. 1 pick in 2026.

1 of 2

Story summary

Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna with No. 1 pick in 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, 2026, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
San Jose Sharks hold No. 2 pick for a second year and may select Ivar Stenberg or trade it.
St. Louis Blues own three first-round picks at No. 11, No. 15 and No. 29.
Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick after the league announced the penalty on May 15, 2026.

1 / 2