NHL mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Maple Leafs win lottery
Yahoo Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The Toronto Maple Leafs won the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft lottery, granting them the right to select either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg.
- Gavin McKenna is viewed as a low-risk top overall pick with strong playmaking skills and pace-driving ability, often compared to Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, though with a slightly lower ceiling.
- Ivar Stenberg, a Swedish player with SHL experience, has impressed scouts with his hockey IQ and scoring threat, making him an appealing choice for teams seeking immediate pro-level impact.
- The draft class is noted for its parity at the top, making the decision between McKenna and Stenberg particularly intriguing for the Maple Leafs.
- Further analysis and mock drafts are expected as the 2026 NHL Draft approaches, with lottery odds influencing team strategies.
