Quick Read
- John Chayka visited top prospect Gavin McKenna in Whitehorse.
- The Maple Leafs hold the first-overall pick for the first time since 2016.
- The team plans to interview 51 prospects at the ongoing NHL Combine.
- No final decision on the first pick has been made according to team scouting staff.
Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager John Chayka has taken a direct approach to his pre-draft preparations, traveling to Whitehorse, Yukon, to meet with top prospect Gavin McKenna. The meeting, confirmed by McKenna on the “NHL Draft Class” podcast, signals the organization’s high level of interest as they prepare to utilize the first-overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft on June 26.
McKenna, who transitioned to the NCAA for the 2025-26 season with Penn State after a prolific tenure with the Medicine Hat Tigers, remains the consensus top prospect according to TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button. Despite the visit, the Maple Leafs’ front office maintains that no final decision has been reached. Mark Leach, the team’s director of amateur scouting, emphasized that the organization is utilizing the ongoing NHL Combine in Buffalo to continue their evaluation process.
“We will be discussing it after this week, we’ll be rehashing it,” Leach stated. “We want to be able to take the time to ensure we are making the right decision for the organization.” The Maple Leafs, who hold the first-overall pick for the first time since 2016, are expected to conduct interviews with over 50 prospects during the combine week.