The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery on Tuesday night—because of course they did.

Despite entering with just an 8.5% chance of landing the first overall pick, and a 58.2% chance of falling out of the top five altogether (which would have sent the pick to the Boston Bruins at No. 6 or 7), the final ball—number 12—fell in Toronto’s favor and will be etched in franchise history.

It made for quite the second day on the job for new general manager John Chayka and executive advisor Mats Sundin, who now hold a franchise-altering asset regardless of which direction they choose to take things—rebuild or retool.

Now that the pick is secured, the real question becomes: what will they do with it? Draft top prospect Gavin McKenna, consider alternatives like Ivar Stenberg or a defenseman, or even explore trading the pick for immediate help or additional draft capital? There’s plenty for the Maple Leafs to consider, but the consensus remains that McKenna is the choice at first overall.

TSN Jeff O’Neill believes it’s a no-brainer:

“Absolutely. I always go by Craig on this stuff—Craig said clear-cut Gavin McKenna. Although he didn’t have the best World Juniors, he did have his moments, but I think he’s the clear-cut number one guy where you’d almost be silly not to take him,”

The 18-year-old McKenna racked up 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games played for Penn State during the 2025-26 season.

Gavin McKenna to Toronto?

It’s a remarkable turn of events for a Toronto team that had been surrounded by negativity all year, including a recent press conference introducing Chayka and Sundin that was described as just uncomfortable.

Winning the lottery shifts the focus entirely, and with a talent like McKenna available at the top of the board, it’s not a decision to overthink—you take him.

The best part? Whether the team chooses to rebuild or retool around Auston Matthews and William Nylander, McKenna fits either plan. He can serve as the cornerstone of a new era or provide a dynamic injection of young talent to help push the current core back into contention. A true win-win scenario for the Maple Leafs.

Next: Auston Matthews Not Yet Committed to Maple Leafs for Next Season