Steve Kouleas believes Maple Leafs can't go wrong between Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg

The Maple Leafs are about a month from selecting first overall at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. The main contenders are Penn State forward Gavin McKenna and Frolunda HC forward Ivar Stenberg, both viewed as capable of making the franchise take a new direction. After winning the lottery on May 5, debate centers on which player should be chosen. The team finished last in the Atlantic Division and 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 32-36-14 record, and 12 Eastern Conference teams reached 90-plus points. MLSE CEO Keith Pelley said a rebuild is not necessary due to generational talent, while Steve Kouleas suggested the club should consider a different route and discussed potential coaching direction.

"The 2025-26 season saw 12 Eastern Conference teams finish with 90-plus points, leaving the Maple Leafs with a lot of ground to make up if they want to return to the postseason next season. While Pelley believes this season was just an aberration, Kouleas feels this club needs to consider heading down a different route."

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