Justin Bieber announces 1st pick of 2026 NHL Draft for Maple Leafs - NHL.com
The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected winger Gavin McKenna as the first overall pick in the NHL Draft. The announcement was made by Canadian singer Justin Bieber at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Bieber, a longtime fan of the Maple Leafs, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to announce the pick, stating he has been a Leafs fan since childhood. McKenna, who is 18 years old, walked onto the stage to Bieber’s song “Yukon,” a tribute to his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon.
McKenna’s selection marks him as the third player in Maple Leafs franchise history to be taken with the top pick in the NHL Draft. Previous top picks for the team include Wendel Clark in 1985 and Auston Matthews in 2016. Matthews recorded a video congratulating McKenna, which was played in the arena after the pick. In the video, Matthews welcomed McKenna to the Maple Leafs and expressed excitement for him to join the team.
McKenna’s Path to the Draft
Prior to being drafted, McKenna played one season at Penn State, where he recorded 15 goals and 51 points in 36 games. Before his time at Penn State, he spent three years with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, accumulating 79 goals and 244 points in 133 games. His performance in minor league hockey positioned him as a top prospect for the draft.
John Chayka, the new general manager for the Maple Leafs, spoke highly of McKenna before the draft, noting his unique abilities. Chayka highlighted McKenna’s background, mentioning that he did not have a skills coach until he was 13, nor a skating coach until the same age, and did not begin gym training until he was 15. Chayka described McKenna’s journey as a “Canadian story” rooted in a love and passion for the game, emphasizing his ability to create offensive chances.
McKenna himself had openly discussed the possibility of being drafted by Toronto in the days leading up to the event. He mentioned that the prospect felt “pretty cool” and acknowledged the passionate fan base of the Maple Leafs. He also spoke about the potential of playing with Auston Matthews, recognizing Matthews as a shooter and himself as a playmaker, suggesting they could complement each other effectively.
Community Celebration and Player Comparisons
McKenna’s hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon, celebrated his selection with a watch party held at the local ice rink. The community gathering underscored the significance of his achievement. Bieber, who announced the pick, has a history with the NHL, having served as a celebrity captain at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game in Toronto. He also reportedly missed the 2025 Met Gala to watch the Maple Leafs during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs that year.
The decision to draft McKenna was seen by some as a strategic move to secure a player with high potential. While some debate existed regarding his draft position after his NCAA season, his move to tougher competition was viewed as beneficial for his long-term development. McKenna is recognized for his elite hands, vision, creativity, and overall hockey IQ, with potential for high-scoring seasons. Comparisons have been drawn to players such as Nikita Kucherov, Patrick Kane, and Artemi Panarin.
McKenna’s outstanding playmaking ability is anticipated to pair well with Auston Matthews, a three-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner. Before the draft, McKenna commented on this potential pairing, stating, “I can think the game very well, and I can find guys in spots where not many people can find them, so if you put me with a shooter, it could be pretty lethal.”
Source: nhl.com
