The Athletic Hockey Show NHL Mock Draft: Gavin McKenna to Maple Leafs, what will Sharks do?

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Toronto Maple Leafs Hold No. 1 Pick in 2026 NHL Draft

   The Toronto Maple Leafs possess the first overall selection for the 2026 NHL Draft. Gavin McKenna is the presumed top pick of this class. The event took place Friday night in Buffalo.

   What's confirmed:

   • The Toronto Maple Leafs held the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
   • The 2026 NHL Draft began Friday night in Buffalo.
   • Gavin McKenna played for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL and the Penn State Nittany Lions in the NCAA.
   • The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft is complete.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The San Jose Sharks will likely select a defender.
   • Gavin McKenna will be selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
   confidence 90%
2. 5d ago

   Analysts Project Gavin McKenna as No. 1 Pick for Maple Leafs

   The Athletic Hockey Show projects the Toronto Maple Leafs will select winger Gavin McKenna first overall. Analysts compare McKenna's potential NHL trajectory to that of Jack Hughes. The 2026 draft is scheduled for June 26.

   What's confirmed:

   • The 2026 NHL draft takes place on June 26.
   • Gavin McKenna is a projected No. 1 overall pick.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • McKenna's early NHL career trajectory will mirror that of Jack Hughes.
   confidence 80%
3. 9d ago

   Maple Leafs Projected to Take Gavin McKenna First Overall

   Corey Pronman and a group of reporters project the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna at No. 1. The San Jose Sharks hold the second and twentieth picks. Analysts are currently evaluating the 2026 class based on skating, shooting, and a strong group of defensemen.

   What's confirmed:

   • Corey Pronman is the senior NHL prospects writer for The Athletic.
   • The 2026 NHL Draft is one week away.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Toronto Maple Leafs will select Gavin McKenna first overall.
   • The San Jose Sharks will choose between forwards and defensemen at No. 2 and No. 20.
   confidence 80%
4. 11d ago

   Corey Pronman Mocks Gavin McKenna to Maple Leafs at No. 1

   Corey Pronman of The Athletic predicts the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna first overall. This projection shifts focus to the San Jose Sharks and their picks at No. 2 and No. 20. Experts remain divided on whether the Sharks will prioritize forwards or defensemen.

   What's confirmed:

   • Corey Pronman predicts the Toronto Maple Leafs will select Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna first overall.
   • The Carolina Hurricanes won the 2026 Stanley Cup.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Experts are divided on whether Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg will be the No. 1 pick.
   confidence 90%
5. 12d ago

   2026 NHL Draft: Sharks' top picks debated as McKenna heads to Leafs

   Gavin McKenna’s projected selection by Toronto at No. 1 has sharpened focus on the San Jose Sharks’ first-round choices at No. 2 and No. 20. Experts split on whether they’ll prioritize a forward like Ivar Stenberg or a defenseman, with San Jose’s needs and organizational philosophy under scrutiny. Mock drafts show uncertainty over whether the Sharks will address their forward group or defensive depth first.

   What's confirmed:

   • Gavin McKenna is the consensus No. 1 pick in multiple 2026 NHL mock drafts, with projections consistently placing him at the top of the first round.
   • The San Jose Sharks hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, with their selection heavily debated between forward Ivar Stenberg and a defenseman.
   • Some analysts argue a defenseman would better suit the Sharks’ immediate needs, while others highlight Stenberg’s offensive upside as a compelling option.
   • The Sharks also hold the No. 20 pick, where they may address another positional need depending on their first-round choice.
   • Chicago Blackhawks, with the No. 4 pick, have been linked to Ivar Stenberg in mock drafts if he falls to them.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The Sharks are considering Chase Reid or another top-tier defenseman at No. 2, though no official confirmation exists.
   • San Jose may explore trading down to accumulate more picks if they lack confidence in the top available prospects.
   • A few mock drafts suggest the Sharks could target Matvei Michkov or another high-ceiling forward at No. 20, but no consensus supports this.
   confidence 88%