Watch Maple Leafs 1st overall pick Gavin McKenna throw out 1st Blue Jays pitch

History was officially made by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday evening on the opening night of the 2026 NHL Draft, as they selected Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna with the first overall selection.

Weeks ago, the Maple Leafs were named the winners of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery for the first time since 2016, the same year they selected future captain Auston Matthews with the first overall pick.

McKenna has already introduced himself to the fans of Toronto by being invited by MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Rogers Centre on Saturday before the club faced the Texas Rangers.

MR. MCKENNA

First Overall Pick Gavin McKenna threw today's First Pitch! pic.twitter.com/IdqHzifrGF

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 27, 2026

McKenna has already voiced his excitement about joining the Maple Leafs, and said that his initial phone call with general manager John Chayka was one of “the best” calls he’s ever received before in his life.

“One of, if not the best phone call I’ve ever received,” McKenna told media on Saturday morning after being drafted via The Leafs Nation. “Just a special moment when you hear that and you realize you’re going first. It’s a pretty special moment and something I’ve worked towards for my whole life, so that phone call was a big relief.”

“Toronto as a city is an amazing place,” McKenna continued. “They love their sports, they love their hockey team, they’ve got so many passionate fans. So, I’m excited, and even when I was in the city before I was drafted, people were coming up to me and asking me for photos. They all seem like great people, so I’m excited to meet all these people and just get comfortable in the city.”

Next stop for McKenna in Toronto will be Development Camp.

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