Toronto Maple Leafs Secure Top Pick in 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
The Toronto Maple Leafs have won the first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, with the San Jose Sharks securing the second pick.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft after winning the draft lottery held on Tuesday. Entering the lottery with an 8.5% chance, the Maple Leafs moved up from the fifth position to claim the top selection. The San Jose Sharks, initially ninth, won the second draw to obtain the second overall pick.
The 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 26–27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.
In a mock draft conducted by NHL reporters, the Maple Leafs are projected to select left wing Gavin McKenna from Penn State University. McKenna is regarded as a franchise-altering talent who could significantly enhance the team's performance and potentially influence star center Auston Matthews' decision to remain with the organization long-term.
The San Jose Sharks are projected to select left wing Ivar Stenberg from Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League. Stenberg is considered a high-end talent who could bolster the Sharks' forward lineup.
The full draft order for the first 16 picks, as determined by the lottery, is as follows:
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- San Jose Sharks
- Vancouver Canucks
- Chicago Blackhawks
- New York Rangers
- Calgary Flames
- Seattle Kraken
- Winnipeg Jets
- Florida Panthers
- Nashville Predators
- St. Louis Blues
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- St. Louis Blues (from Detroit)
- Washington Capitals
The remaining draft positions will be determined at the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.