The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the NHL draft on Friday night, making him only the second Indigenous player to be chosen first in league history. The 18-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, was announced by Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, a longtime Leafs fan, who joined NHL commissioner Gary Bettman on stage.
McKenna's journey to the top
McKenna has been a prolific scorer on both sides of the border, validating projections of being his age group's top prospect for over two years. He combined for 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games with the WHL's Medicine Hat before jumping to the NCAA last summer. His freshman season at Penn State finished with 32 points in his final 17 games, totaling 51 points to tie for fourth in the nation.
Historic pick for Yukon and Indigenous representation
McKenna is the fifth Yukon-born player drafted and the highest pick since Dylan Cozens went seventh in 2019. He becomes just the fifth NCAA player to go first overall, and the third in six years. The selection was met with a loud presence of Maple Leafs fans in Buffalo, where Toronto last had the No. 1 pick in 2016, drafting Auston Matthews.
Impact on the Maple Leafs
Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since Matthews' arrival. McKenna represents a key piece in the rebuilding process under new general manager John Chayka, who traveled to Whitehorse last month to meet with McKenna and his family. Chayka said the team's staff was unanimous on their choice.
Draft day atmosphere
The draft opened with Bettman being booed, a tradition, and featured appearances by Sabres forward Josh Doan and Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. The San Jose Sharks hold the No. 2 pick, followed by Vancouver, Buffalo, and the New York Rangers. The top of the draft class is considered light on forwards and deep in defensemen.
