Maple Leafs Win 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, Set to Take Gavin McKenna at No. 1

The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery. With the draft set for June 26 in Buffalo, the Leafs are in prime position to select top-rated forward Gavin McKenna. The team is entering a period of retooling and is expected to add a high-end offensive threat to replace the departed Mitch Marner.

Here’s a look at how the top 10 of the post-lottery mock draft could shake out:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs – Gavin McKenna, Penn State University (NCAA)

McKenna, the top-ranked prospect in the class, spent two seasons in the OHL before making the jump to the NCAA. At Penn State, he tallied 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games. His elite playmaking ability and two-way consistency make him a perfect fit for a Leafs team looking to rebuild around Auston Matthews.

1. San Jose Sharks – Ivar Stenberg, Frolunda HC (SHL)

The Sharks, who had the 15th-best odds to land the top pick, will likely take top international forward Ivar Stenberg. The Swedish winger, who scored 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 43 games for Frolunda, has drawn comparisons to a young Henrik Zetterberg. Pairing him with Macklin Celebrini could form one of the league’s most dangerous duos.

1. Vancouver Canucks – Caleb Malhotra, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

Malhotra, the son of AHL head coach Manny Malhotra, dominated the OHL with 84 points (29 goals, 55 assists) in 67 games. With Elias Pettersson entering his prime and the Canucks looking to build depth, the center could be the perfect long-term replacement for the team’s top-nine production.

1. Chicago Blackhawks – Chase Reid, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Reid, an offensive defenseman, is a top prospect with 48 points (12 goals, 36 assists) in 47 games for the Greyhounds. The Blackhawks need a puck-moving blueliner to complement Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell. Reid’s two-way game and hockey IQ make him a top-four fit.

1. New York Rangers – Keaton Verhoeff, University of North Dakota (NCAA)

Verhoeff took his game to the next level in the NCAA, playing a shutdown defensive game. Known for his physical style and strong positioning, he’s projected as a top-four blueliner for the Rangers. His 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists) in 42 games this season show his offensive upside.

1. Calgary Flames – Tynan Lawrence, Boston University (NCAA)

Lawrence transferred to Boston University after a strong 17-point run in the USHL. The Flames selected him as a two-way center with a strong work ethic. He finished the season with 7 points in 18 games, but his leadership and playmaking ability make him a steal at sixth overall.

1. Seattle Kraken – Carson Carels, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

Carels is a two-way defenseman with a high hockey IQ. He played for Team Canada at the 2026 WJC as the youngest player on the roster. The Kraken, who have struggled to develop top-end defensemen, will look to build around Carels as a cornerstone.

1. Winnipeg Jets – Nikita Klepov, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Klepov led the OHL with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) in 67 games. The Florida native is a pure offensive talent with a deadly shot. He’s committed to Michigan State for 2026-27, where he’ll continue to refine his game against tougher competition.

1. Florida Panthers – Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Rudolph is a big, strong defenseman with excellent vision and hockey IQ. He finished the season with 50 points (10 goals, 40 assists) in 65 games. His physicality and ability to control possession make him a top-four blueliner with top-pairing upside.

1. Nashville Predators – Viggo Bjorck, Djurgardens IF (SHL)

Bjorck, a Swedish forward, played a key role at the 2026 WJC and helped Sweden win gold. The Predators selected him as a high-IQ forward who can play a complete two-way game. His skating and edge work make him a potential top-six forward.

The 2026 NHL Draft is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory. With the top 10 loaded with top-end tal