Confirmed with Link: LEAFS WIN #1 PICK IN 2026 NHL DRAFT

[TimeZone]

I assumed the purpose of referencing specific players was pretty obvious—to establish the difference between a truly elite, generational talent and a good NHL player. If that inference needs to be explained step-by-step, we're probably not having the same conversation.

Slafkovský was drafted first overall, but let's not pretend he was NHL-ready from day one. He scored 4 goals in his rookie season. Yes, he was on a weak team, but nothing about that season suggested he was immediately prepared to be a difference-maker at the NHL level. You're conflating playing in the NHL and being NHL ready as if it is the same thing, second time you've done that.

You seem far more interested in arguing than discussing the actual point. Whether that's frustration or immaturity, I'll leave that up to others to decide.

A conversation requires two people willing to engage in good faith. I don't see that happening here, so I'll leave it at that.

Take care.

Literally nobody you're responding to made this claim.

Slafkovsky playing in the NHL was good for his development in the long run, sometimes players simply need the reps, you can use the same arguments for Hughes, in the long run it benefitted his development.

Being NHL ready doesn't equal being ready to step in and be a star, it means they're ready to step in and play, both were and it certainly didn't hinder their development.

The issue is you're largely having a conversation/argument with yourself, you aren't contending with legitimate arguments.

 

[ITM]

I don't think he's going anywhere but if he was going to chase a ring, low taxes, and good weather, he would have left by now. I think first and foremost he wants to win in Edmonton. If he does leave, he's only going to Toronto.

I think (want, lol) first and foremost he wants to win in Toronto, but Edmonton is a make the best of it situation, Cup Finals notwithstanding.

 

[weems]

I see Stenberg's support is growing, but I suspect getting comfortable with McKenna the Maple Leaf is prudent. The buzz around him coming to Toronto might be too strong for Rogers' to defer to a choice other than McKenna.

I've come around liking McKenna more than I did. He does have more dog in him (or wolf as his clan affiliation would insist) than I thought. Still, I watch Stenberg and I see a 200 ft., point A to B, offensive catalyst that is perfectly comfortable in conflict and traffic. Every year, the playoffs confirm that that type of style wins championships.

It would be too hard a pill for this market to swallow if Stenberg was selected...unfortunately.

This is an interesting angle.
If the pick was Stenberg, the fanbase would go into rage mode. I mean I've seen many images of fans already with their McKenna jerseys. The airwaves would be constant negativity for weeks saying the Leafs messed this up. I also like Stenberg alot and have said that if he were a center, I would probably select him but this kid better have some thick skin because the reaction to passing on McKenna wont be chill. If he were to get off to a slow start, things could get really bad especially if McKenna was lighting it up.

 

[Buds17]

feels relevant to the draft a defenseman conversation

If there's a bright side here, it's that the defencemen who have already been traded brought back a 1st round pick in return. The bigger downside of course is that those 1st round picks were lower in the draft(s) than the ones selected to take those defencemen who have since been traded away.

 

[notDatsyuk]

Like when he scored a hattrick and added an assist in the U18 gold medal game to lead Canada to gold against the US two years ago?

Or when he lead his entire team and the entire WHL in playoff scoring en route to a WHL championship?

I'm not drafting a significantly less gifted 5'9 C with average skating because he has "greater complete" off the puck, that's one of the dumbest takes I've ever heard.

It's probably time we agree that that poster is not a Leafs fan but a troll, and ignore him en masse.

 

[NJG]

That's the issue there is no clear BPA in this draft, No Crosby, No Lemieux, No McDavid. McKenna is an elite PP specialist, His play 5 on 5 is not impressive. he does not play PK and his play without the puck leaves a lot to be desired. He has a lot and I mean A LOT, of room to grow to be a 1st line NHL star.

When a winger is the projected #1, I think of the 2020 draft, Lafreniere was the BPA in his draft, thought to be a player you build a team around. There are eerie similarities in this draft. LW thought to be a cant miss prospect, in their last Jr. season, Mckenna scored 2.3 points per game, Lafreniere scored 2.2 points per game, projecting the BPA feels very subjective.

I think you can debate this decades 1 OA have been hit and misses- in the sense that with hindsight they are not the best player in their draft year. If you redid the draft, 3 of them would not be the BPA today. Covid may have played some impact in the 2020 to 2022 years. Is going with the perceived BPA vs need the best bet?

2020 1st OA Alexis LaFreniere < 3rd OA Tim Stutzle
2021 1st OA Owen Power < 23rd OA Wyatt Johnson
2022 1st OA Juraj Slafkovsky < 62nd OA Lane Hutson
2023 1st OA Connor Bedard
2024 1st OA Macklin Celebrini
2025 1st OA Matthew Schaefer

There is a clear BPA and that’s why he will go first overall, his name is Gavin McKenna.

 

[HellasLEAF]

Are the Leafs debuting a new jersey at the draft?

Reading conflicting things.

 

[frizzer1]

If Edmonton doesn’t win the cup mcdavid will leave.
He will go to a team he thinks will contend for the cup.
It won’t be here.
Just my opinion.

 

[hockeywiz542]

 

[Buckley]

Oh man, Johnston breaking another one!

 

[The Masters]

McKenna sitting in MLSE seats at Croatia game via IG

I know because I sat in those exact ones LOL

Welcome to Toronto baby (even though there wasnt any doubt)

 

[Stephen]

"and him making passes that were too smart for his teammates to do something with"

I've only ever played with a couple of professional players (one AHL, one played in Europe somewhere). These guys just make it easy for you. If I would pass the puck anywhere within 20 feet of them they would vacuum it up yet they would put the puck on the tape of your stick every time. Now imagine how skilled an NHL player needs to be - even the worst NHL player wouldn't have a problem receiving a creative pass.

I don't think that's the point.

To use a stupid in game situation, it probably takes someone with some awareness to anticipate a Mitch Marner breakaway drop pass. Same thing with the stuff McKenna is doing out there. If he's making out of his mind feeds to guys who aren't anticipating or can't get open or see the play unfold, you're not going to get the most out of McKenna's creativity.

 

[johnny_rudeboy]

There is a clear BPA and that’s why he will go first overall, his name is Gavin McKenna.

Mostly just seen yt-videos of the guys. But Stenberg is the guy that with everything he does with the puck I go ”yeah, that is the right move”. With McKenna it is ”wow, you can do that”.

 

[usernamezrhardtodo]

I don't think that's the point.

To use a stupid in game situation, it probably takes someone with some awareness to anticipate a Mitch Marner breakaway drop pass. Same thing with the stuff McKenna is doing out there. If he's making out of his mind feeds to guys who aren't anticipating or can't get open or see the play unfold, you're not going to get the most out of McKenna's creativity.

His college coach at PSU said exactly that pretty much. He said it took time for the rest of his team to get used to passes that normally wouldn't be there with other players and once they caught on...away McKenna went.

 

[ACC1224]

I don’t think so. I think if McDavid leaves it’s San Jose to play with Celebrini or home to Toronto.

All I’ve heard from people that know McDavid is he cares a lot about legacy. What he does in hockey matters to him.

This is my own assumption but I think the challenge of coming to Toronto and winning here for McDavid would put his legacy in a category where he stands alone, one that’s better than Gretzky’s and I think that will be one of the motivating factors for him to come to the Leafs.

I hope you’re right

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

I don't think that's the point.

To use a stupid in game situation, it probably takes someone with some awareness to anticipate a Mitch Marner breakaway drop pass. Same thing with the stuff McKenna is doing out there. If he's making out of his mind feeds to guys who aren't anticipating or can't get open or see the play unfold, you're not going to get the most out of McKenna's creativity.

Well, if anyone can handle a creative pass it's Matthews. Gavin himself said the two together would be lethal.

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

I think one thing being overlooked is McKenna is the least risky choice for Chayka, If he's a bust the GM can fall back on "We took the best player available." and no one will argue. It's a lock.

 

[Schennanigans]

Is it a certainty he starts for us this season or will he consider another year in ncaa?

 

[The Hanging Jowl]

Are the Leafs debuting a new jersey at the draft?

Reading conflicting things.

Yes. It's going to be debuted on July 1st and the only change is going to be the name McKenna on the back.

 

[cyris]

Is it a certainty he starts for us this season or will he consider another year in ncaa?

He will be in the NHL. Who was the last forward drafted 1OA not to make the NHL the next season? Lindros? And that was hold out.