Justin Bieber Announces Number 1 Pick for Hometown Maple Leafs at 2026 NHL Draft

Justin Bieber announced the Toronto Maple Leafs' first-round pick, Gavin McKenna, at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on June 28, 2026. McKenna, a forward from Whitehorse, Yukon, was selected 21st overall. He is the first player from Yukon to be drafted into the NHL. Bieber, a native of Stratford, Ontario, has been a vocal supporter of the Maple Leafs for years. McKenna played for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, where he recorded 33 goals and 47 assists in 60 games during the 2025-2026 season. His selection marks a significant moment for hockey in the Yukon territory, highlighting the growing talent pool from Canada's north. The Maple Leafs organization expressed excitement about adding McKenna's offensive capabilities to their roster, with general manager Brad Treliving stating that McKenna possesses "elite offensive instincts and playmaking ability." The draft event was held at the Sphere in Las Vegas.