McKenna to Toronto? Early Draft Noise Has Maple Leafs Taking Him No. 1

The early noise coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine suggests the Toronto Maple Leafs may already be trending toward making a defining decision at the top of the draft.

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While the draft board is still fluid, Gavin McKenna continues to sit firmly in the mix at No. 1 overall — and increasingly, league chatter is pointing toward Toronto as the most likely landing spot.

Multiple reports and combine buzz have only added fuel to that speculation. McKenna’s on-ice testing and strength work this week drew attention, with evaluators noting he’s knocking most of the test out of the park. At the same time, Toronto’s new general manager John Chayka is said to be rather smitten with the player, even if he’s trying not to tip his hand.

Chayka has been actively engaging with top prospects throughout the spring, but there’s something about the way he’s been talking about McKenna that stands out. According to those familiar with his approach, Chayka has been consistent in his message: the Leafs will lean heavily toward selecting the best player available at the top of the board. It just seems clearer now that they believe that player to be McKenna.

Insiders have described Chayka’s tone when discussing McKenna as notably enthusiastic, with praise centered around the winger’s combination of pace, creativity, and maturity for his age. That level of conviction, combined with Toronto’s hints that they won’t trade the first-overall pick has many believing the decision is all but made.

There is also growing attention on how McKenna himself views the possibility of landing in Toronto. The Canadian star has openly acknowledged the appeal of playing in a Canadian market and Toronto specifically. “If that was the case I’d be pretty pumped. … The situation the Leafs are in right now, it’s pretty crazy they got the first overall pick, a team who’s probably fighting for playoffs next year. I’d be pretty fortunate to go there.”

Nothing Is Official Until the Pick Is Made

Still, as with any draft process, nothing is finalized. Teams continue to conduct interviews, dinners, and internal evaluations as the board evolves. Other clubs, including Vancouver and San Jose, remain in the mix and are doing their due diligence. There could be trades as teams try to jump up in the draft and that includes a possible deal in Toronto where a big offer could come Chayka’s way.

But at this stage of the process, the momentum is hard to ignore. Between combine buzz, internal philosophy, and the continued rise of McKenna’s profile, the early read around the league is becoming clearer by the day: Toronto may already be leaning toward making him the face of their future.

Next: Report: Darnell Nurse Open to Trade from Oilers as Deal Now Likely