Thousands of Toronto Maple Leafs fans packed Scotiabank Arena on Friday for a draft watch party, eagerly waiting to see who the team would take with the first overall pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft. The arena’s lower bowl filled as the broadcast began, and the crowd erupted when the selection was announced. A video message from Auston Matthews drew another loud ovation from the excited fans.
Excitement Surrounds the 2026 NHL Draft
Toronto earned the top pick by winning the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, despite holding the fifth-best odds at just 8.5 percent. The Maple Leafs capitalized on this opportunity by selecting left wing Gavin McKenna from Penn State University. McKenna entered the night ranked No. 1 among North American skaters according to NHL Central Scouting, making him a highly anticipated choice for the team.
Approximately 3,000 fans attended the event, which featured special appearances by alumni legends Wendel Clark, Darryl Sittler, and Tomas Kaberle. Supporters had the chance to pose for photos with a giant No. 12 lottery ball—the ball tied to the winning draw—and the AHL’s Calder Cup, which was won just last week by the Toronto Marlies. Both Clark and Sittler delighted fans by signing autographs, adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
What made the night even more special was the presence of fans who traveled from various locations to witness this historic event. One attendee even journeyed all the way from the Netherlands after becoming a Maple Leafs supporter during a 2013 visit to Toronto. This fan now returns regularly to cheer for his favorite team. He and a friend, who had encouraged him to pick up a McKenna jersey earlier this year, reunited at the arena to celebrate the franchise’s newest addition.
The excitement surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and their latest draft pick is palpable. Fans are eager to see how Gavin McKenna will contribute to the team in the upcoming season, as they hope to build on their rich history and strive for an elusive championship title.