The Toronto Maple Leafs have the first pick in the NHL draft, which begins on Friday night in Buffalo, New York. Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old winger, is the top-rated prospect and is expected to be selected by the Maple Leafs.
NHL Draft
The draft represents a new beginning for the Maple Leafs, who are in transition with a new front office and coach. The team finished last in the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs for the first time with Auston Matthews on the roster.
McKenna, who played for Medicine Hat in the WHL and Penn State, is a prolific scorer and has been compared to other top players in the draft. The Maple Leafs’ general manager, John Chayka, has said that the team is unanimous in its selection, but has not revealed who it will pick.
There is uncertainty over the top five picks in the draft, with several teams having different rankings for the top prospects. The San Jose Sharks have the second pick, followed by the Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers.
Trades could also shake up the order of the draft, with several teams having already made moves to acquire additional picks. The Maple Leafs have made a push to land another top-five selection, and the Sharks have received offers for their second pick.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
