Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gavin McKenna signed a three-year, entry-level contract, the team confirmed. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed by the Leafs, but it’s widely expected that McKenna signed a contract that pays a maximum value of $1.025 million for the 2026-27 season.

McKenna was the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and immediately becomes Toronto’s most important player. He’s a transformative offensive player with an all-world release, change of pace, and playmaking ability. McKenna recorded 15 goals and 51 points in 36 games with Penn State last season.

The 18-year-old met with reporters on Thursday, following the Maple Leafs’ first on-ice session at development camp. It was the first public appearance of McKenna on the ice, after being selected first overall by the Maple Leafs.

“Super excited. I think you can tell the mindset (John) Chayka and the staff’s got,” McKenna said. “They want to make a statement next year. For me to come in as the first overall pick, to be in that environment to have these veteran guys around me, kind of not have to be that driver and learn from those guys, I’m very lucky and fortunate and I can’t wait to get going and meet all these new guys.”

McKenna is already drawing rave reviews at development camp for his on-ice skill set and maturity off the ice.

“First impressions, he’s an excellent processor,” Maple Leafs assistant general manager, player development Hayley Wickenheiser said on Thursday. “I think he’s got a quiet confidence about him that exudes he can elevate his game. Excellent agility, IQ off the charts. The thing I like about Gavin, he’s very grounded.”

McKenna is expected to immediately slot on Toronto’s first line alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander, although he will invariably get some looks with John Tavares as well. He’s a franchise player, and though it’s standard procedure to sign rookies to entry-level contracts, McKenna inked one of the most immediate team-friendly deals in the NHL. It’s unclear at the time of this filing which number McKenna will wear, as he gave his No. 72 to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has worn the number for the majority of his career.