SECAUCUS, N. J. — The Toronto Maple Leafs struck gold in the lottery for the first pick in the NHL draft on Tuesday night, a major win that could steer the historic franchise in a new direction at a crucial moment.
The Maple Leafs enjoyed some lottery fortune just over 48 hours after appointing John Chayka as general manager and reuniting with franchise icon Mats Sundin, who will act as a hockey operations adviser. While Chayka and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley faced tough questions at their introductory press conference, the mood was bright at Toronto’s facility following the announcement of the No. 1 pick.
“I’m extremely happy for the Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase, of course,” Sundin said. “Certainly this is really going to help when you’re looking into the future and trying to assist this team with what we’re aiming for down the line for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so it’s great to get that first pick.”
Penn State’s Gavin Mc Kenna and Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg are viewed as top North American and European prospects by NHL Central Scouting. Mc Kenna has been seen as a potential top choice for quite some time.
“I’ve kept track of him for several years now, and his skill level, creativity, puck handling ability, along with his shot and release are all pretty special,” Chayka said. “A good package, and it’ll be beneficial to discuss it all with our scouts, but I know there’s significant interest in many players including Gavin.”
The immediate question for the Leafs under new management revolves around captain Auston Matthews’ future after they missed out on playoffs for the first time during his career. This marks their first lottery win since selecting Matthews with the top pick back in 2016; notably, this year’s draft returns to Buffalo where they made that selection.
Toronto had an 8.5% chance of winning it-fifth highest overall-while Vancouver had an 18.5% chance but dropped from first to third place without ever having held a top pick before. Chayka referred to moving up as a lucky break.
“There’s still a long road ahead: lots of work remains to be done, but landing a first overall pick is an incredible opportunity,” Chayka stated. “You can’t predict what will happen in these situations, but you do know you need some luck-and we got it! I don’t think it alters our vision or strategy much at all; however, when events like this occur it can certainly shift timelines or directions.”
The Leafs keep their pick this year but have given away their first-round selections in both 2027 and ’28 to Philadelphia and Boston respectively. There’s some ambiguity about how those picks will unfold according to deputy commissioner Bill Daly who called it a complex situation needing resolution.
The San Jose Sharks won second overall pick through the lottery draw as well. With another top-five selection available GM Mike Grier sees an opportunity to bolster an already promising young group led by Macklin Celebrini along with Will Smith and Michael Misa.
“There are plenty of options there,” Grier noted. “We have centers available along with defensemen or wingers which makes adding another talented player to our young core incredibly exciting.”
Chicago secured the fourth overall spot while New York Rangers landed fifth.
“We’re poised to draft an excellent player,” Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson remarked. “It’s all about gathering talent.”
This was only the second live draft conducted from NHL Network studio after past draws took place behind closed doors until results were revealed on television screens later on. Commissioner Gary Bettman credited president of content & events Steve Mayer for advocating this change.
“He suggested turning it into an exciting moment rather than keeping everything confined inside that room prior,” Bettman explained regarding earlier practices before Bill would reveal results publicly.” After I voiced my concerns including what if technology fails he replied confidently saying ‘No worries-we’ll handle it.’ He figured out how best make sure it’s engaging entertainment.”
As soon as three numbers were drawn Vancouver held onto its odds sitting at 27.3% followed closely by Rangers’ chances nearing eighteen percent whereas Toronto sat among six teams each holding nine percent share too! When ball twelve emerged finalizing sequence seven-two-eleven-twelve-it meant victory shifted entirely around Original Six organization which hasn’t lifted Stanley Cup trophy since way back in ’67!
“I’m thrilled about what lies ahead-for organization itself & fans,” Chayka expressed enthusiastically afterwards “It feels like significant progress has been made today!”
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL draft lottery for the first pick, drawn at NHL Network studio in Secaucus, New Jersey on Tuesday May 5th ,2026 (AP Photo/Stephen Whyno)
New Toronto Maple Leafs Senior Executive Advisor Hockey Operations Mats Sundin left MLSE President CEO Keith Pelley right General Manager John Chayka hold up jersey following press conference in Toronto Monday May4th ,2026 (Arlyn Mc Adorey/The Canadian Press via AP)
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New Toronto Maple Leafs Senior Executive Advisor Hockey Operations Mats Sundin left MLSE President CEO Keith Pelley right General Manager John Chayka hold up jersey following press conference in Toronto Monday May4th ,2026 (Arlyn Mc Adorey/The Canadian Press via AP)Source link
