Leafs not planning to trade first overall pick
It was a tumultuous 2025-26 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016 by finishing last in the Atlantic Division. Their offseason thus far hasn’t exactly been a welcome relief, either, with ex-Leaf Mitch Marner leading the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final, and the hiring of John Chayka as their new general manager getting met with more than its fair share of scorn and derision.
The hockey gods did give the Leafs one blessing this offseason, however, as the ping pong balls in May’s draft lottery bounced in their favor and awarded them the first overall pick at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The Leafs aren’t the typical type of team to hold the first overall pick. While most teams drafting first are in the midst of self-aware rebuilds, Toronto aims to return to the postseason and compete for a Stanley Cup next year. Given their short-term ambitions, it’s not unreasonable to think the Leafs would at least consider trading the first overall pick to immediately improve their roster.
Chayka, however, spoke to the media in Buffalo on Friday and quelled any speculation that he is shopping the first overall pick.
“The probability is we take the pick, just realistically,” Chayka said. “We have had discussions, we will continue to have discussions. Obviously, everything is for sale at the right price. But to date, there’s nothing compelling that we’re seriously considering, but there’s still time.”
Chayka also spoke highly of Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, who hails from Whitehorse, Yukon and is seen by most as this year’s likeliest prospect to get selected first overall.
“Gavin is a really nice young man. Really quality family,” Chayka said. “Spent some quality time with him, got to know him. He’s a small-town kid. It’s a remote area of the world, very peaceful but beautiful. Within that, I think there’s some real resolve around who he is and what his career means to him and his family, and I find it impressive.”