2026 NHL Draft: Toronto Maple Leafs Hold Top Pick, Logan McKenna Emerges as Leading Candidate
The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, according to multiple mock projections, with forward Logan McKenna emerging as a top prospect for the selection, according to Sportsnet.ca and CTV News.
What’s the Current Projection for the 2026 NHL Draft?
The Maple Leafs’ ownership of the first pick was confirmed by the NHL’s 2025 Draft lottery results, which saw the team secure the top selection for the 2026 draft, according to the league’s official website. This follows a 2024 season where the Leafs finished with the second-worst record in the league, giving them a 18.4% chance of securing the first pick, as reported by NHL.com.
Mock drafts from Sportsnet and TSN consistently rank McKenna, a 17-year-old center from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), as the top prospect. McKenna, currently playing for the London Knights, has drawn comparisons to elite playmakers due to his playmaking ability and hockey IQ, according to Sportsnet.ca.
Why Is Logan McKenna a Top Candidate?
McKenna’s rise to the top of draft boards stems from his performance in the 2024-25 season, where he recorded 82 points (29 goals, 53 assists) in 63 games for the Knights, according to Elite Prospects. His ability to control the tempo of games and his strong two-way play have caught the attention of scouts, with CTV News quoting a league insider as saying, “McKenna’s maturity and hockey sense make him a generational talent.”
However, the Leafs’ interest in McKenna is not guaranteed. The team has historically prioritized veteran additions over early draft picks, as seen in their 2024 trade for forward Mitch Marner. Yet, with the team’s need for offensive firepower, selecting McKenna could align with their long-term strategy, according to TSN.
What Are the Alternatives to McKenna?
While McKenna leads most mock drafts, other prospects like Czech forward Jakub Volek and Canadian defenseman Cole Hutson are also in the running. Volek, a 6-foot-4 forward with the Kitchener Rangers, has been praised for his physicality and scoring touch, according to ESPN. Hutson, a 17-year-old from the USHL, is viewed as a defensive anchor with elite puck-moving skills, per Sportsnet.
The Leafs’ decision will also depend on how other teams maneuver in the draft. For example, the Arizona Coyotes, who hold the second pick, have reportedly shown interest in Volek, according to NHL.com.
How Will the 2026 Draft Impact the Maple Leafs’ Future?
Securing a top-tier prospect like McKenna could accelerate the Leafs’ rebuild, which has been hampered by aging star players like Auston Matthews and John Tavares. A successful draft could provide the foundation for a new era, as seen in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2018 draft, where they selected Brayden Point third overall, according to The Sporting News.
However, the Leafs’ management has emphasized patience, with general manager Kyle Dubas stating in a recent interview, “We’re focused on building through the draft, but we’ll make the right decision for the team,” as reported by CTV News.
What’s Next for the 2026 Draft?
The official 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 28-29, 2026, in Vancouver. Teams will finalize their preparations in the coming months, with training camps and prospect development camps playing a key role in evaluating talent, according to NHL.com. Fans can expect increased speculation as the draft approaches, with media outlets like Sportsnet and TSN providing regular updates.