The Toronto Maple Leafs select Penn State University left winger Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo, New York. The pick follows the Maple Leafs winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which gives them the top selection at the draft held on Friday. Multiple outlets report that San Jose is awarded the second pick and Vancouver the third. The Athletic notes the rarity of the selection for Toronto, saying McKenna is the first No. 1 pick by the franchise since Auston Matthews in 2016 and only the third such first-overall selection in team history. McKenna comments on the moment, describing his selection as a “dream come true.” Coverage also highlights the public announcement at the event, where Justin Bieber—described across sources as a Canadian pop icon and Maple Leafs fan—participates in making the pick official. Yardbarker frames the decision as aligning with expectations after Toronto earned the lottery’s top spot, while other reports focus on McKenna’s reaction and the draft setting.