The Toronto Maple Leafs selected defenseman Ethan MacKenzie with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday, June 27.
MacKenzie, a 19-year-old left-shooting blue-liner, stands 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 187 pounds.
>>> Canadiens Trade Up to Select Defenseman Timofei Runtso at 2026 NHL Draft
He is set to join the University of North Dakota next season after four years in the Western Hockey League.
The defenseman dramatically increased his offensive output in the WHL, finishing among the top 10 scoring defensemen in the league with 22 goals for Edmonton.
He also earned a spot on Team Canada's World Juniors squad as an undrafted player.
>>> Cape Verde Advances to World Cup Knockout Stage After Saudi Arabia Draw
Scouting Report Highlights Rapid Development
Elite Prospects, a scouting publication, noted that MacKenzie refined his approach to become Edmonton's primary blueliner while orchestrating special teams.
They stated: "When we ranked Ethan MacKenzie No. 137 in the last draft guide, it was a bet on his motor and tools to launch his development in 2025-26.
But even we didn’t see this coming."
>>> Spain Faces Winger Injury Crisis After World Cup Win Over Uruguay
However, evaluators pointed out that his defensive positioning still requires physical strength and structural cleanup before he can push for an NHL role.
