The Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1-overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. Toronto moved up from fifth position at 8.5-percent odds. The Sharks won the second lottery, moving from ninth to second. The Canucks, who entered with the highest odds at 25.5 percent, dropped to third. The remainder of the top 16 picks is:
4. Blackhawks 5. Rangers 6. Flames 7. Kraken 8. Jets 9. Panthers 10. Predators 11. Blues 12. Devils 13. Islanders 14. Blue Jackets 15. Blues (via Detroit) 16. Capitals
One day after the controversial hiring of general manager John Chayka, he will now make a highly impactful decision for the future of the Leafs franchise, with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna the near consensus pick as the top prospect, followed by a pair of defensemen — Keaton Verhoeff (University of North Dakota) and Carson Carel (Prince George Cougars [WHL]).
My take: Chayka called it "a fortuitous bounce" to not only move up from five, but to get the top overall pick in a year the pick was top-5 protected, per the Brandon Carlo trade with Boston. Toronto will now send their No.1 pick to the Bruins in 2027 or 2028, to be decided by the Bruins. Let's see if Chayka loses a skate blade and falls on his face.
THE ASYLUM
Maple Leafs win lottery
The Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1-overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. Toronto moved up from fifth position at 8.5-percent odds. The Sharks won the second lottery, moving from ninth to second. The Canucks, who entered with the highest odds at 25.5 percent, dropped to third. The remainder of the top 16 picks is:
4. Blackhawks
5. Rangers
6. Flames
7. Kraken
8. Jets
9. Panthers
10. Predators
11. Blues
12. Devils
13. Islanders
14. Blue Jackets
15. Blues (via Detroit)
16. Capitals
One day after the controversial hiring of general manager John Chayka, he will now make a highly impactful decision for the future of the Leafs franchise, with Penn State forward Gavin McKenna the near consensus pick as the top prospect, followed by a pair of defensemen — Keaton Verhoeff (University of North Dakota) and Carson Carel (Prince George Cougars [WHL]).
My take: Chayka called it "a fortuitous bounce" to not only move up from five, but to get the top overall pick in a year the pick was top-5 protected, per the Brandon Carlo trade with Boston. Toronto will now send their No.1 pick to the Bruins in 2027 or 2028, to be decided by the Bruins. Let's see if Chayka loses a skate blade and falls on his face.
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