A decade after drafting Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs swung for the fences again on Friday night. With the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the team selected Penn State superstar Gavin McKenna, a player scouts are already comparing to the franchise cornerstone.
The pick was announced by pop icon Justin Bieber, with Matthews appearing via video to officially welcome McKenna to the fold. The pressure is immediate: McKenna and Matthews are now tasked with ending a nine-year playoff drought and restoring the Leafs to the postseason.
Independent scouting publication Red Line Report has been bullish on this draft class for months. Publisher Kyle Woodlief described the first round as “star-powered,” noting that the top ten is “jam-packed with big, strong skating, offensively gifted defensemen.” He added that strong options remain deep into the mid-20s.
McKenna’s scouting report reads like a hockey prodigy’s manifesto. Scouts rave about his “brilliant hockey sense” and “fantastic whole ice vision.” His stickhandling is described as “ridiculous,” often looking like a game of keep-away. The list of his offensive tools is dizzying: change of pace, toe drag, delay moves, inside-outside manipulation. Defenders find it nearly impossible to pry the puck off him. His finishing ability around the net, combined with his passing creativity, is already deemed “NHL star level.” He also has a knack for elevating his game under pressure. His decision to move to the NCAA was seen as a testament to his competitive drive. The only noted weakness is his play without the puck and inconsistent defensive zone effort. His projection: a dynamic offensive catalyst and facilitator.
The first round kicked off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 26, from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. As is tradition, the commissioner was met with boos upon taking the stage alongside Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Doan and Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins, who were cheered loudly.
The draft has taken on a decentralized format for the second straight year. While top prospects gathered in Buffalo, general managers remained in their home cities. Among the notable faces in attendance was Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 first overall pick and unanimous 2025-26 Calder Trophy winner, who was seen mingling with this year’s class.
For fans tracking the action, USA TODAY’s Mike Brehm is providing live updates, while Red Line Report’s Kyle Woodlief is offering in-depth scouting reports on each selection. The second through seventh rounds will begin at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 27.
