Gavin McKenna makes it known which NHL organization he wants to be drafted by

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Skyler Walker
May 28, 2026  (1:55)

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Photo credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Gavin McKenna stepped into the Maple Leafs spotlight as Toronto moved on from head coach Craig Berube.

The top 2026 draft prospect didn't duck the question when TSN asked about the chance of going first overall to Toronto.

He leaned into it, and that matters in this market.

McKenna called Toronto the «biggest hockey market in the world» and said he'd be «very honoured» if the Maple Leafs made him their pick.

That answer was clean, calm, and built for a city that picks apart every word. For a player expected to handle pressure from Day 1, it landed exactly the way Toronto fans wanted to hear it.

He also added that he has «heard good things» about the city and said it «sounds like an amazing place.» That wasn't a throwaway line. It showed comfort with the idea before the draft even gets here.

Toronto's front office still has work to do before any final call is made. John Chayka now runs the hockey side, and the first overall pick remains the biggest decision on his board.

The key point is simple: McKenna sounded ready, but the Maple Leafs still haven't told the league what they plan to do with the pick. That keeps every option open.

There's been outside chatter that Toronto could at least listen on the selection. The expectation is still that the club keeps it, though the noise isn't going away yet.

That's where this gets interesting. McKenna gave Toronto the kind of public answer that lowers the temperature before the real draft pressure starts to build.

The article also points to Ivar Stenberg as another name still in the mix after his recent push with Sweden. So this is not a done deal, even with McKenna sitting at the center of the buzz.

Still, this wasn't about points, clips, or scouting jargon. It was about poise, and McKenna showed he already understands the weight that comes with the Maple Leafs crest.

If Toronto keeps the pick, that answer may age well fast. In this market, the first test often starts long before puck drop.

Previously

Martin St-Louis is attacked by Canadiens fans directly after Game 4 loss at the Bell Centre

Canadiens mascot Youppi turns heads with gesture targeting fans while down 0-4

Jakub Dobes immediately causes a stir with comments after the Canadiens' Game 4 loss

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1 HOUR AGO   |   56 ANSWERS Gavin McKenna makes it known which NHL organization he wants to be drafted by Should the Maple Leafs keep the first overall pick and take Gavin McKenna ?

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▢    No

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