2026 NHL draft updates: 7-round, 32-team pick tracker
The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected Gavin McKenna as the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
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The brief
The 2026 NHL Draft is currently underway, featuring a seven-round selection process involving all 32 teams. The event's opening moments included an appearance by Justin Bieber, who formally announced the first selection for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Additional reporting from The Hollywood Reporter and TribLIVE.com highlights the involvement of celebrity guests in the draft proceedings. Observers are tracking the remaining rounds of the draft as the 32 teams continue to announce their selections.
Coverage does not yet specify the full order of subsequent picks or further event participants.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: unsupported claims removed (83% supported) Updated just now.
Quick answers
Who was the first player selected in the 2026 NHL Draft?
Gavin McKenna was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Who announced the first pick of the draft?
Justin Bieber announced the first selection for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
How many rounds are in the 2026 NHL Draft?
The draft consists of seven rounds featuring 32 teams.
Coverage (12)
- 2026 NHL Draft Grades and Analysis for Every 1st-Round Pick Bleacher Report · 56m ago
- Justin Bieber Announces Number 1 Pick for Hometown Maple Leafs at 2026 NHL Draft Yahoo Sports · 56m ago
- ‘Isn’t what I imagined’: Maple Leafs’ McKenna era begins with hope, surprise Sportsnet.ca · 56m ago
- Maple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 NHL draft pick WGAL · 2h ago
- Justin Bieber Announces Number 1 Pick for Hometown Maple Leafs at 2026 NHL Draft Rolling Stone · 2h ago
- Justin Bieber Makes Appearance at 2026 NHL Draft to Announce No. 1 Pick The Hollywood Reporter · 2h ago
- NHL Draft Open thread PensBurgh · 2h ago
- Gavin McKenna selected by Toronto Maple Leafs with No. 1 pick in NHL draft CBS News · 2h ago
- NHL Draft 2026 live updates, pick tracker: Leafs take Gavin McKenna No. 1 overall; latest news, rumors and reaction The New York Times · 2h ago
- Maple Leafs select Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 NHL draft pick TribLIVE.com · 3h ago
- Justin Bieber announces 1st pick of 2026 NHL Draft for Maple Leafs NHL.com · 3h ago
- 2026 NHL draft updates: 7-round, 32-team pick tracker ESPN · 3h ago
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