Story perspectives

Maple Leafs Win Lottery, Grab No. 1 Pick on McKenna

6/26/2026

Summary

Maple Leafs Win Lottery

Toronto Maple Leafs won the May 5 lottery, earning the No. 1 overall pick.
Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, tops rankings with 129 points in 56 WHL games and 51 points in 35 NCAA games.
General manager John Chayka called the story amazing and confirmed Toronto will pick McKenna.
The draft takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on June 26, with Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as a rival.

Summary

Chayka hires Hiller

GM John Chayka announced Jim Hiller as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ new head coach.
He praised Hiller’s experience, leadership and vision, and thanked owner Ed Rogers and executive Tony Staffieri for backing the hire.
Chayka said the trade market is busy with liquidity and the club has mapped scenarios for the next ten days.
He noted defenseman Morgan Rielly is the longest-tenured Leaf, respecting his production, contributions and locker-room leadership.

History

Historical Context

Maple Leafs' ownership changed dramatically when MLSE bought the Raptors on Feb 12 1998 and the team left Maple Leaf Gardens for the Air Canada Centre on Feb 13 1999. Those moves marked a new era of corporate control and modern facilities. Today GM John Chayka follows that pattern, selecting 18-year-old Gavin McKenna first overall and naming Jim Hiller head coach.

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Maple Leafs Win Lottery

Toronto Maple Leafs won the May 5 lottery, earning the No. 1 overall pick.
Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, tops rankings with 129 points in 56 WHL games and 51 points in 35 NCAA games.
General manager John Chayka called the story amazing and confirmed Toronto will pick McKenna.
The draft takes place at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on June 26, with Swedish forward Ivar Stenberg as a rival.

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