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Saints are one of the NFL's youngest teams after 2026 draft
After the 2026 draft, the Saints are now one of the NFL's youngest teams.
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NHL
Maple Leafs could solve Mitch Marner departure with Gavin McKenna at No. 1
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick. They are expected to select Gavin McKenna, a top prospect who could replace Mitch Marner following his departure.
Key points
- Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery
- Maple Leafs had an 8.5% chance to win
- Gavin McKenna is the expected No. 1 overall pick
- McKenna could replace Mitch Marner's offensive role
- Marner's departure leaves a gap in the team's lineup
Mentioned in this story
Mitch Marner
Gavin McKennaToronto Maple LeafsNHL Draft
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have found an unexpected answer to their post-Mitch Marner problems after winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and securing the No. 1 overall pick.
Toronto entered the lottery with only an 8.5% chance but jumped four spots after a disastrous 32-36-14 season. The organization is now widely expected to select Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, the consensus top prospect in the draft class.
MORE: Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney blast NHL Draft Lottery after Maple Leafs land No. 1 pick
Speaking on Jay On SC, TSN’s Mark Masters said McKenna could naturally fill the offensive gap left by Marner’s offseason departure.
“I know Craig Button has McKenna at the top of his list and at the top of his mock draft, and I think he’d be a great pick,” Masters said. “Kind of the natural successor, really, to Mitch Marner, right? That Mitch Marner left, the Leafs never really filled that void of a playmaking winger, and MacKenna has the ability to slot into that role.”
The comparison is significant because Toronto’s offense clearly lacked creativity and transition play after Marner left. Auston Matthews missed most of the second half with injury, but even before that, the Leafs struggled to generate consistent offense off the rush.
McKenna fits Toronto’s biggest offensive need
McKenna produced 51 points in 35 NCAA games at Penn State and has built a reputation as one of hockey’s most dynamic young playmakers. His vision and puck control stand out immediately, but scouts also point to his composure under pressure.
“I’ve covered him at the last two World Juniors,” Masters said when discussing the Toronto spotlight. “Not the easiest World Juniors for Canada. McKenna was in the spotlight. He handled the media really well. He didn’t shy away from anything. He said he wanted the expectations. I think that he’ll be fine with that part of it.”
That matters in Toronto. The market magnifies every shift, especially for young stars expected to revive a struggling franchise.
New general manager John Chayka stopped short of confirming McKenna as the pick, but his comments strongly hinted at the organization’s admiration for the winger.
Q&A
How did the Toronto Maple Leafs win the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery?
The Maple Leafs won the lottery despite having only an 8.5% chance, jumping four spots after a poor season.
Who is Gavin McKenna and why is he a top prospect?
Gavin McKenna is a winger from Penn State and is considered the consensus top prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft class.
What impact will Mitch Marner's departure have on the Maple Leafs?
Mitch Marner's departure leaves a gap in the team's offense, which McKenna is expected to fill as a playmaking winger.
What are the expectations for Gavin McKenna if drafted by the Maple Leafs?
If drafted, McKenna is expected to slot into the role left by Marner and contribute significantly to the team's offense.
