At the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs surprised no one, selecting Gavin McKenna with their first overall pick.

Well, they did manage one surprise, bringing Toronto pop star and massive Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber to Buffalo to announce the pick. After Bieber announced McKenna as Toronto’s selection, the Whitehorse native walked up to the singer’s 2025 track “Yukon.” Speaking in his post-draft interview, sitting next to Bieber, McKenna spoke about just how big the moment felt.

“This is nuts,” McKenna said. “Obviously, I just want to start by thanking my family. I love you guys, I wouldn’t be here without you guys. For all the Yukoners at home, that song is for you. Thanks, Justin. I’m just grateful, I’ve got no words right now.”

In Toronto, McKenna will be joining a strong forward group led by captain Auston Matthews, who was selected first overall by the Leafs in 2016. The 18-year-old winger had not been shy ahead of the draft about what he thinks he can do playing alongside Matthews. Now that his move to Toronto is official, McKenna expanded on those thoughts.

“Obviously (Matthews) is a special player,” McKenna said. “It would mean the world to play with him, learn from him. They’ve got a lot of talent in Toronto. They’ve got a lot of experience, so as a young guy coming into the league, I want to learn as much as I can.”

Sitting alongside McKenna, Bieber reflected on the Leafs getting the first overall pick for the first time in a decade and his excitement for McKenna to come to Toronto.

“It’s hard to put in words, honestly,” Bieber said. “Being here, it’s a dream, bro. And I know this guy’s gonna kill it.”

Bieber concluded the interview by confirming fans can “absolutely” expect to see him at Scotiabank Arena this year in McKenna’s jersey.

After McKenna’s initial interview, he was then escorted back to his seat by none other than last year’s first overall pick, New York Islanders defender Matthew Schaefer. Suited up, Schaefer interviewed his Canadian junior teammate. McKenna made sure to reiterate his gratitude for the people who helped get him here and Schaefer offered some thoughts in return.

“Enjoy the night,” Schaefer said. “I was really pulling for you. I knew it wasn’t really much of a secret or anything, a lot of people knew it. Growing up in Toronto, you know, I think you’re in a great place. Obviously I’m a big Islanders fan now, and we’re gonna have some good rivalries. So good luck with everything, man. You deserve it, you’re the best.”