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NHL Draft lottery rigged? Fans claim lottery was 'fixed' after Maple Leafs win Gavin McKenna sweepstakes
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, raising suspicions of a rigged process among fans. This outcome comes after a disappointing season for the team, which recorded its lowest points total since 2015–16.
Key points
- Maple Leafs won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft lottery
- Fans are skeptical about the lottery's integrity
- Toronto finished the 2025–26 season with 77 points
- John Chayka is the new front office leader
- Auston Matthews' contract situation adds to the controversy
Mentioned in this story
John Chayka
Toronto Maple LeafsBoston Bruins
NHL Draft lottery rigged? Fans claim lottery was 'fixed' after Maple Leafs win Gavin McKenna sweepstakes originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There haven't been many bright days for the Maple Leafs in recent history. The franchise plummeted down the NHL standings in 2025–26, recording a paltry 77 points -- its lowest total in an 82-game season since 2015–16.
Toronto didn't finish with the worst record in the NHL. In fact, the Maple Leafs tallied more points than four other teams. If anything, they were more likely to surrender their first-round pick than keep it — Toronto's selection would have gone to the Bruins if it landed outside the top five, as part of the deal to acquire Brandon Carlo last year.
The stakes were high for a Maple Leafs side that will come into the 2026 season with a new-look front office led by 36-year-old John Chayka. The hockey gods were looking out for the snakebitten franchise during Tuesday's draft lottery, blessing Chayka and Co. with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 Draft. Announcement of the curious result was met with joy from Toronto's camp. The rest of the NHL was far more skeptical, especially given the timing of the news. The Maple Leafs were in the news cycle one day earlier, with reporting that "still isn't sure if he'll be back in Toronto in the fall."
Q&A
Why do fans believe the NHL Draft lottery was rigged?
Fans suspect the lottery was rigged due to the timing of the Maple Leafs' win following a disappointing season and ongoing contract uncertainty with star player Auston Matthews.
What were the Maple Leafs' standings before winning the draft lottery?
The Maple Leafs finished the 2025–26 season with 77 points, their lowest total in an 82-game season since 2015–16, and did not have the worst record in the NHL.
Who is the new front office leader for the Maple Leafs?
The Maple Leafs' new front office is led by 36-year-old John Chayka, who will oversee the team as they prepare for the 2026 season.
What are the implications of the Maple Leafs winning the No. 1 pick?
Winning the No. 1 pick could significantly impact the Maple Leafs' future, especially as they navigate player contracts and team restructuring ahead of the new season.