The Toronto Maple Leafs have done it again—winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery has sent shockwaves through the hockey world. While some fans might raise an eyebrow at the timing, there's no denying the Leafs have earned the right to select first overall this June. With Penn State left winger Gavin McKenna at the top of many draft boards, Toronto has a golden opportunity to add another franchise cornerstone.

This win couldn't come at a more intriguing moment. Recent reports suggest star forward Auston Matthews may be seeking a change of scenery after a decade of playoff heartbreak—never advancing past the second round. If the Leafs were to lose their captain, landing the No. 1 pick provides the perfect silver lining.

This marks only the third time in franchise history that Toronto will pick first overall. The previous two selections? Two names that Maple Leafs fans know well: Auston Matthews and Wendel Clark.

Wendel Clark (1985)
Thirty-one years before Matthews, the Leafs drafted Wendel Clark with the top pick. A hard-hitting, goal-scoring left winger, Clark became the heart and soul of Toronto's blue and white. He served as team captain and remains a beloved figure in Leafs lore. His fearless style and clutch scoring made him an instant fan favorite, and he left an indelible mark on the franchise before his career wound down.

Auston Matthews (2016)
When the Leafs ended their three-decade drought without a No. 1 pick, they landed a generational talent. Matthews made an immediate splash, scoring 40 goals and adding 29 assists as a rookie to earn a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. He has spent his entire 10-year career in Toronto, collecting some of the game's highest honors:

- 2016-17 Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
- 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
- Multiple Rocket Richard Trophies as the NHL's top goal scorer

Matthews has been the face of the franchise, but with playoff success proving elusive, the 2026 draft could signal a new chapter for the Maple Leafs. Whether they build around their current captain or turn the page with a new young star, this lottery win gives Toronto options—and plenty of excitement for the future.