Leafs Pick 1: McKenna vs Stenberg

Toronto’s fate hangs in the balance as they prepare to make the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft—choosing between electric forward Gavin McKenna and versatile Swedish standout Ivar Stenberg. With the Maple Leafs’ new management scrambling to decide, the pressure mounts as this could be their first top pick since Auston Matthews in 2016. Meanwhile, the draft’s real treasure may lie in the defense, where five elite blue-liners—including Chase Reid and Carson Carels—are poised to dominate the first round. San Jose, who jumped to second thanks to a surprise lottery win, now faces a stacked field as the Sharks aim to build on their recent top-two success. With McKenna’s Kane-like flair and Stenberg’s two-way smarts, the Leafs’ decision could reshape the NHL’s future—while the defense’s depth promises a wild, strategic first round. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c76fbe3561dfc5bd