Toronto Maple Leafs sign No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna to entry‑level contract

Gavin McKenna, the 18‑year‑old forward selected first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed a three‑year entry‑level contract on June 26, 2026. The deal pays the maximum salary allowed under the collective‑bargaining agreement—$1.025 million in Year 1, $1.075 million in Year 2 and $1.125 million in Year 3—plus up to $1 million in Schedule A bonuses and $2.5 million in Schedule B bonuses tied to performance milestones.

McKenna came to the Leafs after a breakout freshman season at Penn State (51 points in 35 games) and a strong showing for Team Canada at the World Junior Championships (14 points in seven games). He is the third No. 1 overall pick in Maple Leafs history.

Assistant General Manager and Player Development head Hayley Wickenheiser praised McKenna’s performance at the team’s 2026 development camp, calling him “an elite thinker” who anticipates play and “has elite skill‑set, pacing and playmaking.” She noted his need to add strength and physicality before competing at the NHL level.