The hockey gods smiled on Toronto Tuesday night. The Toronto Maple Leafs won the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, thanks to a dramatic and suspenseful NHL Draft Lottery held on May 5.
Broadcast live on ESPN from the NHL Network's studio in Secaucus, New Jersey, the lottery determined the fate of the top pick among all teams that missed the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs—or those that acquired the first-round positions of those non-playoff squads. With just an 8.5% chance of landing the coveted top spot, the Maple Leafs defied the odds and secured a franchise-altering opportunity.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly and Commissioner Gary Bettman oversaw the drawing, ensuring every lottery ball was loaded and accounted for. But the real star of the night was Maple Leafs Senior Executive Advisor Mats Sundin, introduced just a day earlier following his hiring on May 3.
"It's great to get the first pick, great night, great lottery," Sundin said, beaming after the announcement. "We're just starting... first day yesterday and certainly this is really going to help me look into the future."
All eyes now turn to the draft board, with Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna leading the prospect rankings. McKenna turned heads this season, finishing tied for fifth in the NCAA with 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) and ranking second with 1.46 points per game across 35 games. For international skaters, fellow left wing Ivar Stenberg tops NHL Central Scouting's list.
"I definitely learned a lot, I think, in terms of my character," McKenna reflected on his breakout season. "Obviously, learned that there's a big spotlight on me and that I don't have to be perfect."
For Maple Leafs fans, this lottery win represents more than just a draft pick—it's a chance to build for sustained success. Whether they choose McKenna's dynamic offense or explore other options, Toronto's future just got a whole lot brighter. And for those looking to celebrate this historic moment, there's no better way than sporting the team's iconic blue and white gear as the next chapter begins.