SECAUCUS, N.J. – The Toronto Maple Leafs won the lottery for the first pick in the NHL draft on Tuesday night, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise as it seeks to reshape its future.
This significant victory comes just over 48 hours after the Maple Leafs appointed John Chayka as the new general manager and welcomed franchise legend Mats Sundin as a hockey operations adviser. While Chayka and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley faced tough questions during their introductory press conference, the mood brightened considerably at Toronto’s facility following the lottery results.
“I’m extremely happy for the Toronto Maple Leafs fanbase,” said Sundin. “This is going to help us look toward the future and improve the team, so it’s great to get the first pick.”
Among the prospects, Penn State’s Gavin McKenna and Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg are rated as the top North American and European players by NHL Central Scouting. McKenna has long been viewed as the potential top choice in the draft.
“I’ve been tracking him for a number of years, and his skill level, creativity, puck ability, and shot are all exceptional,” Chayka remarked. “We’re excited to discuss this further with our scouts, but there’s significant enthusiasm around players like Gavin.”
One of the immediate concerns for the Leafs under new management is the future of captain Auston Matthews, who is seen as the team’s best player. This lottery win marks the first time the Leafs have secured the top pick since drafting Matthews in 2016, with the draft returning to Buffalo, the city where they made that selection.
Toronto had an 8.5% chance of winning the lottery, the fifth highest among participating teams, while Vancouver, with an 18.5% chance, fell to third. Chayka referred to the upward move as a fortuitous bounce.
“There’s a long road ahead, and a lot of work still to do, but securing the first overall pick is a monumental opportunity,” Chayka stated. “While it doesn’t alter our vision or strategy, it certainly has the potential to change our timelines and direction.”
The Maple Leafs retain the first pick for this year but have forfeited their first-round selections in 2027 and 2028 to Philadelphia and Boston, respectively. The order for these picks remains uncertain, with deputy commissioner Bill Daly noting that the situation is complex and will require resolution.
The San Jose Sharks won the lottery for the second pick, providing GM Mike Grier and his team with another opportunity to enhance a young roster that already includes talented players like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa.
“There are numerous options available,” Grier said. “We can look at centers, defensemen, or wingers, so adding another talented player to our young core is very exciting.”
The Chicago Blackhawks secured the No. 4 pick, while the New York Rangers hold the fifth position.
“We’re confident we’ll get a great player,” said Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson. “The focus is on accumulating talent.”
This lottery was the second to be conducted live at the NHL Network studio, a departure from previous years when the draw was held in a conference room. Commissioner Gary Bettman credited president of content and events Steve Mayer for making the live format possible.
“Mayer suggested that we make it live to create a more exciting moment, despite my concerns about potential technical difficulties,” Bettman recalled. “His vision transformed the event into an engaging show.”
As the first three numbers were drawn, the Canucks had a 27.3% chance of winning, while the Rangers had an 18.2% chance, and the Leafs were among six teams with a 9.1% chance. When the No. 12 ball emerged, completing the 7-2-11-12 sequence, the Leafs celebrated their victory, significantly altering the atmosphere surrounding a franchise that has not lifted the Stanley Cup since 1967.
“We’re thrilled for the organization and the fanbase,” Chayka concluded. “This is a meaningful step forward, and we are elated.”
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AP Sports Writer Jay Cohen in Chicago contributed to this report.
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