NHLTR Final Top-5 Mock Draft: Gavin McKenna to Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock.

The 2026 NHL Draft is live from Buffalo, New York on Friday night, and considering all the trades we've seen throughout the week, it's setting up to be an entertaining night. The Maple Leafs surprisingly own the first overall pick, and all signs are pointing to them drafting Gavin McKenna.

After that, we have a lot of teams trying to trade into the top-5, including the Maple Leafs who are trying to trade into the top-10. It's going to be a wild and whacky weekend, but in regards to the top five picks of the 2026 NHL Draft, here's our final mock draft:

1. Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs

John Chayka spent a couple of days in the Yukon, met with McKenna's family, and essentially, did everything he needed to do to get rid of any doubt he had on the top prospect. All of the Maple Leafs scouts have pushed for McKenna to be the pick, and it's going to happen. McKenna could step right into Toronto's top line and play top power-play minutes. He's going to be the favorite for the Calder Trophy, and is ready for the bright lights in Toronto.

2. Ivar Stenberg, San Jose Sharks

When the Sharks dealt William Eklund to the Ottawa Senators and freed up money, and a spot on the left side of their lineup, it ended the debate. Stenberg was their guy, and is expected to be the pick here at two. Stenberg brings the most complete game to the draft table, he's a monster in all three zones, and he's coming off one of the best seasons for a U-19 player in the SHL.

3. Vancouver Canucks, Caleb Malhotra

Not every prospect could make the jump into the NHL and play for their father behind the bench, but Malhotra is different. He's as heady as they come, thinks the game on a different level, and brings a ton of professionalism to the rink, each and every day. He's the only true number one center in this draft, and it's going to be interesting to see a father-son duo in Vancouver. 

4. Buffalo Sabres, Chase Reid

There's plenty of top-pair defencemen in this draft, but the right-handed Reid may have the highest ceiling. He's not as speedy as many would like, but he brings a complete toolbox to the rink each night, and with the Sabres moving Bowen Byram recently, they'll for sure be taking a defenceman, and it very well could be Reid.

5. New York Rangers, Carson Carels

The left-handed defenceman is coming off a great season with the WHL's Prince George Cougars. Carels could very well come out of this draft as the best d-man 5 years down the road. He had scouts drooling over him all season long with his rugged game, which is laced with top power-play and penalty-kill potential, and a hockey IQ that's off the charts.