Toronto Maple Leafs
· 2026-06-26
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on a L7 streak, with a 32-36 record, standing 15th in the Eastern Conference as of June 26, 2026.
The team's fans are excited about the possibility of landing the second-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
This would give them a chance to pick up two potential generational talents, with Gavin McKenna likely to be the first-overall pick.
GM John Chayka has made it clear that the organization has made up its mind about the first-overall pick, with McKenna being the likely choice.
The bigger question is who they would pick with the second-overall pick, with Chase Reid being a potential target to fill the team's need for a true number-one blueliner.
The last time the Toronto Maple Leafs took a defenseman in the top 5 was back in 2012, when Morgan Rielly was picked at No. 5.
Landing the top two picks would be a game-changer for the team, giving them a chance to contend for the playoffs and set up a new era of success.
The addition of McKenna and Reid could provide the foundation for a core that could lead the team to victory.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken other blueliners in the first round, including Timothy Liljegren at No. 17 in 2017 and Rasmus Sandin at 29th in 2018.
But taking a defenseman like Reid with the second-overall pick would be a bold move to address the team's needs.
And with the team looking to contend right away, fans might not complain about the move, even if it comes at the expense of someone like Matthew Knies.
The possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs landing the second-overall pick is unlikely, but it's fun to theorize about what could happen.
The team's current standing and record make it clear that they need to make some changes to compete with the top teams in the league.
So, the question remains, what will the Toronto Maple Leafs do with the first and second-overall pick, if they get the chance to make it happen.
The answer could have a significant impact on the team's future and their chances of success in the NHL.