The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday night, making the Medicine Hat Tigers forward the top choice in this year's class. The announcement drew extra attention when singer Justin Bieber, a longtime Maple Leafs fan, stepped to the stage to reveal the pick.

For local hockey fans following the league from Chattanooga, the result settles the draft's top question and sets up one of the NHL's most watched prospect arrivals. It also gives Toronto a high-profile young player to track as the franchise looks to build around its next wave of talent.

Toronto makes the expected top selection

The NHL said McKenna was drafted No. 1 overall by Toronto in the first round on Friday. NHL video from the event also shows Bieber announcing the selection on stage.

  • Player: Gavin McKenna
  • Pick: No. 1 overall
  • Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
  • Junior club: Medicine Hat Tigers of the Canadian Hockey League, the major junior system in Canada
"With the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs are proud to select, from Whitehorse, Yukon, Gavin McKenna."

That declaration was delivered on stage by Bieber in NHL footage released after the pick.

Why the pick drew wider attention

McKenna entered the draft as one of the most closely watched prospects in hockey. The combination of the No. 1 selection, the Maple Leafs' national profile, and Bieber's role in the announcement turned the moment into one of the night's headline events.

The NHL's official coverage identified McKenna as the first overall pick, while the Canadian Hockey League said the Medicine Hat Tigers alumnus had gone first overall to Toronto. Those official accounts matched the selection shown during the draft broadcast.

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What comes next for McKenna and Toronto

McKenna now joins the Maple Leafs' system as the top pick in the draft, a status that brings immediate scrutiny and high expectations. Toronto will control his NHL rights as the club plans its next development steps.

For fans, the practical next step is simple: watch for the Maple Leafs' official development camp, rookie camp, and training camp announcements through NHL and team channels. Those dates will show when McKenna is next expected to appear in a Toronto uniform.

Key points for readers following the draft

  • The pick is official and confirmed by the NHL.
  • Bieber announced the selection on stage.
  • McKenna arrives from the Medicine Hat Tigers program.
  • Toronto now holds the rights to the No. 1 overall selection.

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Reported by Source Text Link, National Hockey League (NHL), Wikimedia Foundation, Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Chattanooga Times Free Press.