The hockey world is still buzzing after Tuesday night's stunning NHL Draft Lottery, where the Toronto Maple Leafs defied the odds to secure the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 draft. While the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to heat up, the Leafs' lottery win has already shifted the focus to a thrilling prospect class headlined by two elite talents.
At the center of the conversation are Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg, two players who have separated themselves from a surprisingly deep and balanced group. McKenna, a rangy left winger, has drawn comparisons to generational talents like Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini—though some scouts believe his ceiling may be just a notch below those superstars. Still, McKenna's elite playmaking, hockey IQ, and ability to drive the pace from the wing make him a can't-miss franchise cornerstone. The big question for the Leafs: will they keep him at his natural left wing or experiment with a move to center?
Enter Ivar Stenberg, the Swedish sensation who has been climbing draft boards at a rapid pace. What makes Stenberg so intriguing is his pro-readiness. At just 18, he held his own in the SHL with Frölunda HC, showcasing exceptional hockey sense and a shot volume that made him a constant offensive threat. For a team like Toronto looking for immediate impact, Stenberg's polish and maturity could make him the surprise No. 1 pick.
This year's draft class offers more parity at the top than initially expected, making the Leafs' decision all the more fascinating. As we get closer to draft day, we'll dive deeper into the full field. For now, here's a rapid-fire mock draft based on the lottery order—starting with the odds that set the stage for Tuesday night's drama:
2026 NHL Draft Lottery Odds (Entering Tuesday):
Vancouver Canucks — 18.5%
Chicago Blackhawks — 13.5%
New York Rangers — 11.5%
Calgary Flames — 9.5%
Toronto Maple Leafs (Top 5 protected to Bruins) — 8.5%
Seattle Kraken — 7.5%
Winnipeg Jets — 6.5%
Florida Panthers — 6.0%
San Jose Sharks — 5.0%
Nashville Predators — 3.5%
St. Louis Blues — 3.0%
New Jersey Devils — 2.5%
New York Islanders — 2.0%
Columbus Blue Jackets — 1.5%
St. Louis Blues (from Red Wings) — 0.5%
Washington Capitals — 0.5%
Stay tuned as we track how this draft class shapes up—and which future superstar will be wearing blue and white next season.