LMAO. Toronto Maple Leafs just won the 2026 #NHL Draft Lottery.
If Toronto can’t make something out of this, they have no one to blame but themselves—but I wouldn’t put it past them.
I don’t know if Toronto will select Gavin McKenna. He’s committed to Penn State for the next three years. And by the time he enters the NHL, Auston Matthews will likely opt for a trade in two years. The only way Leafs take McKenna is if they trade Matthews this summer.
So instead, I think the Maple Leafs will select 6’4” defenseman Keaton Verhoeff. He can play next season. He’ll also augment Matthews’ offense. Perhaps his presence will convince Matthews to stay in Toronto.
If this scenario proves true, then the San Jose Sharks obviously take Gavin McKenna because they get the 2nd lottery pick.
Vancouver Canucks have the 3rd pick. And they’re in quite a pickle. You see, they got rid of star offensive defenseman Quinn Hughes and they have the lowest scoring roster in the league.
Thus, I think they’ll take centre Caleb Malhotra. He can kill penalties and play in the top six, which makes him a safer bet than a winger. This relieves pressure on Elias Petterson, which allows Linus Karlsson to move back to wing.
Plus, there’s a rumour Caleb Malhotra’s dad Manny will soon be the Canucks head coach. He is currently the head coach of AHL affiliate Abbotsford Canucks, and won a Calder Cup—the first time any team in the Canucks organization won something so significant. Plus, he used to play for the Canucks himself.
Toronto Maple Leafs win NHL draft lottery, Canucks will pick third
The victory comes at a critical time for Toronto in the aftermath of hiring John Chayka as general manager and bringing back franchise legend Mats Sundin.Staff (Global News)
