Maple Leafs land No. 1 pick, signaling a new era under Sundin and Chayka
Toronto’s new leadership duo, Mats Sundin and John Chayka, celebrated a shock No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, providing the Maple Leafs with a monumental opportunity at the top of the draft (with Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg among the headliners). The top-5 protected pick avoids forfeiture to Boston in a key trade, and the team faces questions about a potential rebuild and Auston Matthews’ future while aiming to capitalize on a deep draft class. The selection will take place in Buffalo on June 26-27, and Sundin/Chayka stress due diligence in nailing the choice to jump-start a new era for Toronto.