The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery, popping up to the highest pick within the draft. On the NHL Draft Mix, they went through the traditional interview process like every other team. But they tipped their hand to 1 particular prospect. Based on Shawn Hutcheon of HEH Advising, the Maple Leafs told Gavin McKenna that they might take him first within the draft.
“A source near the situation, who was a part of the NHL Mix, tells me Toronto told Gavin McKenna during their interview with the player that they intend on drafting him with the primary overall pick,” Hutcheon reported.
McKenna has long been assumed to be the highest pick on this NHL Draft. His time within the Western Hockey League made him a highly recruited NCAA prospect before last season. He joined the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he scored 51 points in 31 games. He also scored 14 points in seven games with Team Canada within the World Junior Championships.
There are some high-end prospects available within the NHL Draft outside of McKenna. That features defensemen Chase Reid and Keaton Verhoff, who may very well be intriguing picks for the Maple Leafs. But, in keeping with this report, they’re already set on locking McKenna in as their next superstar.
The Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery just as their franchise’s outlook seemed the bleakest. They lost Mitch Marner, hired John Chayka as the final manager, and currently wouldn’t have a head coach. There have been no reports of Auston Matthews asking for a trade, perhaps since the top pick is coming to Toronto.
McKenna could have an incredibly brilliant highlight on him from his first day with the Maple Leafs. After the incredible successes of top picks Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini, McKenna might be expected to flourish immediately.
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL Draft Lottery, popping up to the highest pick within the draft. On the NHL Draft Mix, they went through the traditional interview process like every other team. But they tipped their hand to 1 particular prospect. Based on Shawn Hutcheon of HEH Advising, the Maple Leafs told Gavin McKenna that they might take him first within the draft.