Draft - Hockey Wiretap

Gavin McKenna became the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday, selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in a ceremony that featured pop star Justin Bieber announcing the selection and a video welcome from Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

"Crazy. Just crazy what's going on right now," said McKenna, 18, who combined for 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games with Medicine Hat in the WHL before posting 51 points in 35 games at Penn State last season.

McKenna became just the fifth NCAA player ever selected first overall and the fifth Yukon-born player drafted in NHL history. He is the first from the territory to go No. 1, hailing from Whitehorse, a city of approximately 39,000 people.

"Obviously he's on the first line," McKenna said of Matthews. "I'm going to have to prove myself to be able to play with a player like that. But that's my goal. My game's obviously a playmaker, he's a shooter, so I think we could complement each other pretty well."

A poignant moment came at No. 3 when the Vancouver Canucks selected center Caleb Malhotra, son of Vancouver head coach Manny Malhotra. Caleb, who posted 84 points with Brantford in the OHL last season, was not aware his father knew of the team's plans.

"I hugged him right after, and we were happy," said Caleb. "It's the best feeling in the world."

Sweden's Ivar Stenberg went second to the San Jose Sharks before a run of defensemen dominated picks four through nine. The Buffalo Sabres selected Prince Albert blueliner Daxon Rudolph fourth, Latvia's Alberts Smits went fifth to the New York Rangers as the highest drafted Latvian in history, and Chase Reid of Michigan went seventh to the Seattle Kraken as the first American taken.

The first round featured 10 Canadians, a draft-record seven Swedes and seven Americans. Nine trades involving first-round picks were completed, including the Boston Bruins acquiring JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth, the St. Louis Blues sending two picks to the Anaheim Ducks for Mason McTavish and the Rangers obtaining Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights.

2026 NHL Draft: First Round Results

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State
2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda
3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford
4. Buffalo Sabres: Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert
5. New York Rangers: Alberts Smits, D, Munchen
6. Calgary Flames: Carson Carels, D, Prince George
7. Seattle Kraken: Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie
8. Winnipeg Jets: Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden
9. San Jose Sharks: Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota
10. Nashville Predators: Wyatt Cullen, LW, USA U-18
11. St. Louis Blues: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University
12. New Jersey Devils: Alexander Command, C, Orebro Jr.
13. New York Islanders: Malte Gustafsson, D, HV71
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College
15. Anaheim Ducks: Nikita Klepov, RW, Saginaw
16. St. Louis Blues: Maddox Dagenais, C, Quebec
17. Utah Hockey Club: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor
18. Washington Capitals: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara
19. Los Angeles Kings: Elton Hermansson, RW, Modo
20. Buffalo Sabres: Ilia Morozov, C, Miami
21. San Jose Sharks: Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver
22. Pittsburgh Penguins: Liam Ruck, RW, Medicine Hat
23. Detroit Red Wings: Jeffrey (JP) Hurlbert, LW, Kamloops
24. Vancouver Canucks: Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough
25. Ottawa Senators: Jonas Lagerberg Hoen, RW, Leksand Jr.
26. Montreal Canadiens: Gleb Pugachyov, RW, Nizhny Novgorod Jr.
27. Philadelphia Flyers: Maksim Sokolovskii, D, London
28. Anaheim Ducks: Marcus Nordmark, LW, Djurgarden Jr.
29. Vegas Golden Knights: Juho Piiparinen, D, Tappara
30. Calgary Flames: Jack Hextall, C, Youngstown
31. Nashville Predators: Thomas Bleyl, D, Moncton
32. Ottawa Senators: Jaxon Cover, RW, London

The Anaheim Ducks have traded center Mason McTavish to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for the 15th and 29th picks in Friday's NHL Draft. Anaheim used the 15th selection to take Saginaw Spirit winger Nikita Klepov.

Trade discussions surrounding McTavish gained momentum after the Ducks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Vegas Golden Knights. The 23-year-old saw his role shrink during the postseason, averaging just 12:25 of ice time across 10 games despite recording six points, as younger players including Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Lukas Dostal, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov and Beckett Sennecke took on larger roles.

The transaction opens significant financial flexibility for Anaheim. PuckPedia projects the Ducks now carry $44.623 million in cap space, positioning them to re-sign restricted free agents Carlsson, Gauthier and Mintyukov while addressing a defense corps that features three pending unrestricted free agents.

McTavish recorded his first 20-goal season in 2024-25, finishing with 52 points in 76 games at 16:52 of ice time per night. Production dipped this past season to 17 goals and 41 points in 75 games, with his average ice time dropping to 15:19.

In St. Louis, McTavish gives the Blues a potential top-six option at center or wing as the franchise continues to reshape its roster this offseason.

The Toronto Maple Leafs selected forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday, landing the most coveted prospect in the class as the franchise undergoes a sweeping organizational rebuild.

McKenna, 18, posted 51 points in 35 games at Penn State last season, the second-best per-game rate in the NCAA. The season prior, he finished second in WHL scoring with 129 points for Medicine Hat before adding 38 points in 16 playoff games during the Tigers' championship run.

A creative playmaker with elite vision, McKenna has drawn comparisons to wingers Artemi Panarin and Nikita Kucherov. Toronto passed on Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg and American defenseman Chase Reid to make the selection.

"For us, it's about getting the right person," said Leafs general manager John Chayka at the draft combine in Buffalo. "In a market like (Toronto), I don't think we can miss on that."

McKenna is the first No. 1 pick by Toronto since Auston Matthews in 2016 and only the third in franchise history, following Wendel Clark in 1985. He is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Mitch Marner, who departed for the Vegas Golden Knights last summer, and could slot onto Matthews' left wing as soon as next season.

The selection marks the first draft pick under the new front office led by Chayka and adviser Mats Sundin, who were introduced in early May following the dismissal of Brad Treliving in March. Head coach Craig Berube was also replaced, with Jim Hiller eventually named as his successor after a lengthy search.

Toronto won the lottery with just 8.5 percent odds after finishing with the league's fifth-worst record. The pick would have transferred to the Boston Bruins under a prior trade had it not landed in the top five.

The Leafs have already traded away their first-round selections in each of the next two drafts, making McKenna's arrival a particularly valuable piece of the franchise's long-term planning around Matthews, who turns 29 this year with two years remaining on his contract.

The 2026 NHL Draft features no clear-cut top prospect, with scouts and front-office executives describing an unusually balanced group led by a strong pool of defensemen, according to a wide-ranging survey of league evaluators.

"There's no clear guy this year. There's a group," said one scout. "And I could see that group go in almost any order, although I think Gavin McKenna should be in the top two somewhere."

Multiple evaluators identified clusters of six to nine players they considered interchangeable at the top. One scouting director put it plainly: "There's no A's this year, just a bunch of B+'s."

McKenna, a winger long considered the presumptive first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, draws divided opinions. Scouts acknowledge his elite offensive tools and scoring history, but several question whether his game holds up in physical, playoff-style hockey.

"He's going to score a ton in the NHL," said one executive. "My concern is he's like Artemi Panarin. He'll get his accolades, but he'll also be on three to four teams and never make real noise in the playoffs."

Ivar Stenberg has emerged as a credible alternative at No. 1. The 5-foot-11 winger earns praise for his direct style and net-front presence, though some scouts warn his limited secondary game creates downside risk if his offensive production falls short.

"I could honestly see Stenberg get closer to 5 than to 1," one executive said. "He's not the same type of talent as McKenna."

With the top of the board unsettled, several scouts suggested the final decision may bypass scouting departments altogether.

"It doesn't matter what the scouts think when you win the lottery," one veteran evaluator said. "The GM can wipe their ass with your list."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have kept their plans for the first overall pick closely guarded, but most scouts and executives believe Gavin McKenna remains the most likely selection based on his exceptional ceiling and demonstrated ability to handle pressure situations.

McKenna's performance at Penn State this season reinforced his standing among evaluators. Whether facing loud buildings or stretches of negative scrutiny, scouts saw a prospect who drew energy from high-pressure environments rather than wilting under them. One front office executive was direct about the stakes involved.

"You better be absolutely sure if you're going to pass on McKenna," the executive said.

Sweden's Ivar Stenberg has complicated the conversation more than many anticipated. His profile climbed steadily throughout his draft year, with some evaluators pointing to his maturity, two-way reliability, and pro-ready game as factors that have forced a more thorough internal debate than originally expected.

Caleb Malhotra has also drawn considerable attention and may rank higher on several teams' draft boards than the public currently expects.

The consensus, however, still centers on McKenna. Passing on a generational talent and watching him thrive elsewhere remains the outcome every general manager is working to avoid.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' unlikely win in Tuesday's NHL Draft Lottery created an immediate and unresolved question of how the conditional first-round picks owed to the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins will be distributed in 2027 and 2028.

The NHL has not yet provided a formal interpretation. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly acknowledged the complexity when asked prior to the lottery.

"I'm not prepared to answer that question is what I'd say. It's a complicated situation," Daly said. "It's a confusing situation, but we'll deal with it if we have to."

The issue stems from two trades completed roughly two hours apart on March 7, 2025, when Toronto acquired Scott Laughton from Philadelphia and Brandon Carlo from Boston. Both deals included conditional first-round pick language that the negotiating parties likely assumed would never become relevant, given the Leafs were leading the Atlantic Division at the time.

The Laughton deal sent Toronto's conditional 2027 first-rounder to Philadelphia, with a provision allowing the Leafs to retain that pick if it fell inside the top 10 and instead send their 2028 first-rounder. That option disappears if Toronto trades the 2028 pick before the 2027 draft.

The Carlo trade committed Toronto's 2026 first-rounder to Boston, with a clause stating that if the pick landed inside the top five, the Bruins would instead receive whichever of Toronto's 2027 or 2028 picks did not go to Philadelphia. Tuesday's lottery result placed that pick at No. 1, well inside the top five, triggering that condition.

The unresolved question is whether Boston automatically receives the 2028 pick now, or whether the Flyers' top-10 swap option in the Laughton deal still applies, potentially leaving Toronto with leverage over which team ultimately receives a prized selection.

Sources familiar with league-level discussions indicate the NHL is expected to award the 2027 pick to Philadelphia regardless of where it falls, with Boston receiving the 2028 selection. That determination has not yet been formally communicated to the clubs involved.

Once assigned, both picks will be free of conditions and could carry significant value depending on how quickly Toronto rebuilds under new general manager John Chayka.

The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft lottery Tuesday, converting an 8.5 percent chance into the top selection. The San Jose Sharks made the night's biggest leap, jumping from ninth to second. The draft takes place in Buffalo on June 26 and 27.

Toronto is widely projected to select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna, a franchise-altering talent who could play alongside Auston Matthews for years and potentially factor into Matthews' long-term future with the club.

San Jose is expected to take Swedish left wing Ivar Stenberg out of Frolunda with the second pick, with general manager Mike Grier signaling a best-player-available approach. 

Vancouver holds the third pick and faces a decision between OHL standouts Caleb Malhotra and Chase Reid. Malhotra, a 6-foot-2 two-way center from Brantford, has drawn Jonathan Toews comparisons from scouts after a strong late-season run.

Chicago at fourth and New York at fifth round out the top five, with the Rangers projected to take Reid, considered by many evaluators to be the top defenseman in the class.

2026 NHL Draft Mock: First 16 Picks

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (NCAA)
2. San Jose Sharks: Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SHL)
3. Vancouver Canucks: Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford (OHL)
4. Chicago Blackhawks: Carson Carels, LHD, Prince George (WHL)
5. New York Rangers: Chase Reid, RHD, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
6. Calgary Flames: Keaton Verhoeff, RHD, North Dakota (NCAA)
7. Seattle Kraken: Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert (WHL)
8. Winnipeg Jets: Alberts Smits, LHD, Munich (DEL)
9. Florida Panthers: Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor (OHL)
10. Nashville Predators: Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University (NCAA)
11. St. Louis Blues: Viggo Bjorck, C, Djurgarden (SHL)
12. New Jersey Devils: Wyatt Cullen, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)
13. New York Islanders: Ryan Lin, RHD, Vancouver (WHL)
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Oscar Hemming, LW, Boston College (NCAA)
15. St. Louis Blues: Malte Gustafsson, LHD, HV71 (SHL)
16. Washington Capitals: Oliver Suvanto, C, Tappara (Liiga)

The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL draft lottery Tuesday night, earning the right to select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick at next month's draft in Buffalo, New York.

"When you get a first overall pick, it's a monumental opportunity," new Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said on his second day on the job. "Long road ahead. Lots of work to do."

Toronto entered the lottery with an 8.5% chance of winning, the fifth-best odds among the 16 non-playoff teams. The win carries added significance given the circumstances. Had the pick fallen outside the top five, it would have transferred to the Boston Bruins as part of Toronto's trade for defenseman Brandon Carlo at last year's deadline.

The lottery result also triggered a separate dispute. Multiple reports Tuesday night indicated the Philadelphia Flyers believe they hold a claim on Toronto's 2027 first-round pick, acquired conditionally in the Scott Laughton trade. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN the situation is "complicated" and declined to issue an immediate ruling.

The San Jose Sharks won the second lottery draw despite entering with just a 5% chance. General manager Mike Grier said he was "shocked." San Jose has now selected in the top four in four consecutive drafts, previously adding Will Smith, Macklin Celebrini and Michael Misa.

The Vancouver Canucks, who held the league's worst record and an 18.5% chance of winning, will pick third.

Should Toronto select McKenna on June 26, it will mark the third time the franchise has drafted first overall, previously selecting Wendel Clark in 1985 and Auston Matthews in 2016, also in Buffalo.

The NHL announced Thursday it has reduced its penalty against the Ottawa Senators stemming from the botched 2022 Evgenii Dadonov trade, replacing a first-round pick forfeiture with a last-place selection at 32nd overall and a $1 million Canadian fine directed to the NHL Foundation Canada.

The original violation occurred when Ottawa traded Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights in July 2021 without disclosing a limited no-trade clause in his contract. Vegas subsequently dealt Dadonov to Anaheim in March 2022, unaware that the Ducks appeared on his 10-team no-trade list. The NHL voided the trade and in November 2023 ruled that Ottawa must forfeit a first-round pick in either 2024, 2025 or 2026.

The Senators used their 2024 pick on Carter Yakemchuk seventh overall and their 2025 selection on Logan Hensler 23rd overall, leaving their 2026 pick as the one subject to forfeiture before the league agreed to reduce the sanction.

Ottawa appealed for leniency, pointing to significant organizational changes since the violation. GM Pierre Dorion resigned following the initial ruling and was replaced by Steve Staios. New owner Michael Andlauer had just taken over the franchise when the penalty was announced.

"After due and thorough consideration, the League has decided that a modification of the original penalty is warranted," the NHL said in a statement.

The reduction mirrors a precedent set in 2014 when the NHL similarly replaced a first-round forfeiture for the New Jersey Devils, originally penalized for signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a contract deemed to circumvent the salary cap, with a last-place selection in that year's draft.

Every team finishing behind Ottawa in the draft order will move up one spot as a result of the revised penalty.

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna, the consensus first overall pick in this June's NHL draft, has been charged with felony aggravated assault and other counts, according to Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court documents. The 18-year-old Canadian faces serious legal consequences following an alleged altercation in State College last month.

McKenna was charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, which is defined as attempting to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference. Additional charges include misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts of disorderly conduct for harassment and engaging in a fight.

The maximum penalty for first-degree felony aggravated assault in Pennsylvania is 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. McKenna was arraigned on the charges and released on $20,000 bail.

According to the State College Police Department, McKenna's charges stem from an altercation that occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 31. Police said McKenna allegedly struck a 21-year-old male in the face, resulting in facial injuries that required surgery.

A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. The legal proceedings will determine whether the case advances to trial.

The alleged incidents happened on the same day that an NCAA outdoor hockey game at Penn State's Beaver Stadium drew 74,575 fans. The Nittany Lions lost to Michigan State 5-4 in overtime. McKenna recorded a goal and two assists in that contest.

McKenna has 32 points with 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games with Penn State this season. NHL Central Scouting ranks him first among all North American skaters heading into the draft.

The NHL told ESPN it is aware of the charges against McKenna but offered no comment, as he is not currently a player in the league. Penn State issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the charges.

"We are aware that charges have been filed; however, as this is an ongoing legal matter, we will not have any further comment," the statement said.

McKenna stunned the hockey world last year by opting to leave Canadian junior hockey for Penn State's men's hockey program. In 2024, the NCAA ruled that Canadian junior players were now eligible to play on Division I teams, ending a decades-old policy.

McKenna was one of the first Canadian junior players to make the jump to the NCAA. His NIL money for attending Penn State is in the ballpark of $700,000, a source told ESPN at the time.

The charges cast uncertainty over McKenna's draft status and future in professional hockey. Teams evaluating him for June's draft will now consider these legal matters alongside his on-ice performance.