Gavin McKenna wasted little time embracing the expectations that come with being the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ newest franchise cornerstone.

Shortly after becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old made his biggest goal clear. Rather than discussing individual milestones, McKenna focused on bringing a Stanley Cup back to Toronto.

MORE: 2026 NHL Draft results: Full list of first-round picks by team

During an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter, McKenna was asked what Maple Leafs fans should expect.

“Just my style of play. I think I’m a player who makes all the players around me better, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cup,” McKenna said. “That’s all I want, to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto. That’s what they can look forward to.”

Toronto selected McKenna first overall as part of a major organizational reset under general manager John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller. The franchise is coming off its first missed playoff appearance since 2016.

Maple Leafs captain could be the perfect mentor for Gavin McKenna

During his ESPN interview, McKenna also pointed to captain Auston Matthews as a key figure in his development.

“I think he’s obviously been through some similar situations, and he’s been in that city for a long time,” McKenna said. “For him to be able to teach me, and he’s obviously an amazing player, I’m looking forward to trying to learn from him on and off the ice.”

The rookie already has an ambitious target for his first NHL season. “My captain… He’s on the first line,” McKenna said. “I’ll have to prove myself to play with a player like that, but that’s my goal.” He added, “My game is a playmaker. He’s a shooter. I think we could complement each other pretty well.”

That combination makes sense if Matthews returns healthy. The captain battled injuries during the 2025-26 season, recording 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games before a Grade 3 MCL tear ended his year. Despite the setback, Matthews became Toronto’s all-time goals leader and also captained Team USA to Olympic gold.

MORE: Gavin McKenna reacts as Maple Leafs prepare to make No. 1 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

McKenna’s elite vision and passing ability fit naturally alongside an elite finisher like Matthews. If Toronto’s captain regains full health, the rookie could immediately strengthen the club’s top six and power play.

So far, McKenna’s Stanley Cup promise reflects both confidence and an understanding of the expectations that come with wearing a Maple Leafs sweater.

The 2026 NHL Draft opened a new chapter for every NHL franchise as teams invested in the next generation of talent.

The two-day event began on Friday, June 26, at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Round 1 is now complete, and Rounds 2-7 are scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Several trades, such as Buffalo and San Jose, reshaped the first-round order.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs made the biggest move of the night by selecting elite playmaking forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick. Pop superstar and longtime Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber announced the selection on stage.

Toronto made the selection at the same arena where it drafted current captain Auston Matthews first overall in 2016. So, with that excitement in mind, let’s explore the picks made by all the teams in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Full list of 2026 NHL Draft first-round picks

Here is the complete list of all 32 first-round picks from the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, including each player’s team and position.

The draft continues on Saturday with Rounds 2 through 7, giving every franchise another opportunity to strengthen its prospect pool. After a first round featuring top North American and European talent, teams will continue searching for players who can shape their long-term future.

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After the draft, attention will soon shift to preparations for the 2026-27 NHL season. The Carolina Hurricanes enter the new campaign as defending Stanley Cup champions after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to capture their second title in franchise history. Their championship run, combined with a fresh class of prospects, sets the stage for another intriguing season.

The next generation of NHL stars will officially hear their names called Friday night as the 2026 NHL Draft gets underway from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Round 1 of the NHL Draft begins Friday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET, with all 32 teams looking to add franchise-changing talent. The draft continues on Saturday with Rounds 2-7 beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

MORE: 3 Bold predictions for the 2026 NHL Draft

Fans looking for how to watch the 2026 NHL Draft can catch Round 1 live on ESPN and ESPN+, while Day 2 coverage will air on NHL Network and ESPN+ in the United States. Canadian viewers can watch the draft on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

How to Watch the 2026 NHL Draft

• Date: Friday, June 26 (Round 1)
• Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, New York)
• TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN+
• Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)

The 2026 NHL Draft returns to Buffalo for the fourth time in league history and is expected to be one of the busiest drafts in recent memory following several blockbuster trades involving first-round picks during the week leading up to the event. The hometown Buffalo Sabres own two first-round selections, including the No. 4 overall pick after acquiring it from the Chicago Blackhawks in the Bowen Byram trade.

2026 NHL Draft Order (Top 10)

1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Vancouver Canucks
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. New York Rangers
6. Calgary Flames
7. Seattle Kraken
8. Winnipeg Jets
9. San Jose Sharks (from Florida via Ottawa)
10. Nashville Predators

Toronto enters the draft with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the NHL Draft Lottery and is widely expected to select Penn State star Gavin McKenna. The Sharks own two picks inside the top 10, while host Buffalo will make the fourth overall selection in front of its home crowd. Multiple first-round picks have changed hands in recent days, making this one of the most intriguing opening rounds in years.

Whether you’re following your favorite team, tracking the top prospects or waiting to see if any blockbuster trades unfold, the 2026 NHL Draft promises to kick off another exciting NHL offseason. Fans can tune in beginning at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN or stream every first-round pick live on ESPN+.

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