Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has confirmed the team will likely keep the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, selecting highly-touted winger Gavin McKenna. Speaking Thursday in pre-draft comments, Chayka outlined his strategy for the draft, the role of senior executive Mats Sundin, and the value of the team's six other picks.
Chayka Confirms Keeping No. 1 Pick
“Any time you make a big decision, it’s a thorough process,” Chayka said. “But as I sit here today, it’s likely we take the pick.” He noted that discussions have occurred regarding every pick in the top 10 except the first overall, but moving it would require a compelling offer. “It’s rare those top picks are moved,” he added.
The Leafs own the first overall selection plus six other picks, including three between 60th and 85th overall. Trade chatter has been rampant, with many deals already completed this week amid an increased salary cap. However, Chayka indicated that moving power forward Matthew Knies would require a significant return.
Draft Table Leadership and Sundin's Role
Chayka, preparing for his first NHL draft since 2019 with the Arizona Coyotes, emphasized the importance of this weekend. “The draft is your point in time where you can really put a stamp on your team and say ‘this is what a Toronto Maple Leaf is,'” he said. He will rely on assistant GM of player evaluation Judd Brackett and holdover director of amateur scouting Mark Leach.
Regarding Mats Sundin, the new senior executive, Chayka noted his input on organizational values. “(The whole staff) have been around, there’s a lot of success within the group. We’re trying to give them some feedback and this is where Mats comes in — what are the things we value, what are the types of people we want to bring into the organization?”
Draft Strategy: Size vs. Skill
The 5-foot-11 McKenna is a scoring winger who will need to add strength. Chayka was asked about prioritizing size in later rounds. “Teams that have won have historically been big and strong, that can get through the grind of a seven-game playoff series. Having said that, (current Cup champion) Carolina, have a lot of really good, smaller-stature players that bring smarts and competitiveness.” He stressed a balanced approach: “We’re trying to consider all these variables, not put one above the rest, other than we want smart, competitive players and stack that, round after round, to end up in a pretty good spot.”
Coach Hiller on McKenna and Matthews Comparison
New head coach Jim Hiller, who was an assistant when Auston Matthews arrived as the No. 1 pick in 2016, sees parallels. “I’ll lean on Auston a bit, we’ve talked about that already,” Hiller said. “He’s going to be a special player. It’s a unique position to be No. 1 overall in the Toronto market so we have a good guy with good experience there.”
The Leafs are set to announce McKenna's name Saturday, barring a last-minute trade. Chayka’s first draft as GM will set the tone for his tenure.
