The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, marking a new era for the franchise. McKenna immediately pointed to captain Auston Matthews as the player he hopes to learn from after joining Toronto. The selection capped a memorable night at KeyBank Center, where Justin Bieber announced the pick and Matthews welcomed the teenager to the organization.
McKenna described the draft as the biggest moment of his hockey journey. He said, “One of, if not the best phone call I’ve ever received. A special moment when you kind of hear that and you realize you’re going first. It’s something I’ve worked towards my whole life, so yeah that phone call was a big relief.”
The emotions continued after his name was called. “It was a very special moment … getting hugged by my family after all these years of hard work and sacrifices that we’ve all put into this,” McKenna said about the moment, via NHL.com. “For it to finally be here and experience that moment was one I’ll remember forever, and one of, if not the best days of my life.”
Gavin McKenna sees Auston Matthews as the ideal mentor
During a television interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter, McKenna explained why Matthews is the perfect player to learn from.
“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.”
McKenna also shared an ambitious personal goal after joining Toronto. “My captain… He’s on the first line,” he 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.”
Matthews welcomed the newest Maple Leaf with a video message before the selection became official.
“I know how exciting this is for you and your family, and what an incredible honor it is,” Matthews said. “Congratulations, we’re just as excited to have you join the Maple Leafs, and cannot wait to get started. You’re coming to a franchise with an amazing history and fanbase and we’re all working to write the next great chapter together, and you’re going to be a very important part of that.”
Why Toronto believes McKenna can change its future?
McKenna fills a major organizational need for the Maple Leafs. His vision and passing ability complement Toronto’s elite finishers, especially Matthews. That combination could strengthen both the top line and the power play.
McKenna arrives after an outstanding freshman season at Penn State. The 18-year-old recorded 51 points in 35 games and ranked second in the NCAA with 1.46 points per game. He also became only the fifth NCAA men’s hockey player selected first overall in NHL Draft history.
Toronto is counting on more than production. The club is coming off its first missed playoff appearance since 2016 under new general manager John Chayka and head coach Jim Hiller. McKenna’s arrival represents a long-term investment in a roster seeking a fresh identity.
The rookie already understands the expectations awaiting him. “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.” Those words will resonate with a fan base still searching for its next championship.
