The Toronto Maple Leafs selected left wing Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick during the first round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
The selection kicked off the annual event, which featured several surprise picks in the opening round and altered player availability projections ahead of rounds two through seven scheduled for Saturday.
>>> Tahir Abdullayev to Make UFC Debut Against Jefferson Nascimento at UFC Baku
McKenna expressed deep gratitude for his family following his selection as the top draft choice before discussing his custom wardrobe choices.
"Getting to hug my family after all these years of hard work and sacrifices that we've all put into this, for it to finally be here and experience that moment, is something I'll remember forever," said McKenna.
The top draft pick also noted the emotional significance of the day and highlighted his attire, which honored his First Nations heritage, before outlining his upcoming offseason training schedule.
"It's one of, if not the best day of my life," said McKenna.
Following McKenna, the San Jose Sharks used the second overall selection to draft forward Ivar Stenberg, who expressed confidence in joining the active roster for the upcoming season.
Stenberg addressed potentially playing alongside center Macklin Celebrini, who accumulated 115 points last season after being selected first overall in the 2024 draft.
"That would be sick," said Stenberg.
>>> Rafael Fiziev vs. Manuel Torres Set as UFC Fight Night Baku Main Event
