The Toronto Maple Leafs might want to take a page from NHL history as they field offers for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Rewind to 2013, when the Calgary Flames attempted to trade up for the right to draft Nathan MacKinnon. The Flames held three first-round picks that year—Nos. 6, 22, and 28. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, Calgary offered all three to the Colorado Avalanche for the top selection.

The Avalanche said no. They drafted MacKinnon, who was expected to be a star but has since become one of the best players in the world—a Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion.

Now, the Maple Leafs find themselves in a similar position. After lucking into the top pick with just the fifth-best lottery odds, Toronto has the chance to select Gavin McKenna, the Canadian phenom who has drawn comparisons to some of the game's all-time greats. Think of it as the Maple Leafs' version of landing Cooper Flagg in basketball or LeBron James—a generational talent who could transform a franchise.

Other teams will surely call, hoping to pry that pick away. But as Friedman noted on his 32 Thoughts podcast: "Colorado felt those three Flames picks together were not even worth No. 1. So I'm sure Toronto will entertain all options here, but in the NHL, history shows that if you have these picks, it is extremely rare that you move far away from them."

The lesson is clear: Some offers might look great on paper, but do any of them equal McKenna (or the other potential top prospect, Ivar Sternberg)? The reality is the Leafs will likely stay put. But as the draft approaches, it'll be fascinating to see what rumors emerge—and whether any team can put together a package that changes Toronto's mind.

For now, the Maple Leafs hold all the cards. And if history is any guide, they'll be holding that No. 1 pick on draft day.