Justin Bieber Announces Number 1 Pick for Maple Leafs at NHL Draft
As predicted, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Gavin McKenna with their first overall pick at the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday. To some surprise, however, longtime Leafs fan and famed Canadian singer Justin Bieber was on hand to make the official announcement.
“Mr. McKenna, we would like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Bieber declared from the draft stage at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Naturally, McKenna, a native of Whitehorse, Yukon, walked up to the star’s hit song “Yukon.”
During his post-draft interview with Bieber, McKenna, who will join the team after a solid season at Penn State, described the surreal experience on Friday. “This is nuts,” McKenna said of the moment. “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 so grateful, I’ve got no words right now.”
Bieber added that as a fan, having the Leafs get the first overall pick for the first time in a decade was “hard to put in words, honestly.”
“Being here, it’s a dream, bro,” he said. “And I know this guy’s gonna kill it.”
Bieber, who has proudly donned Leafs gear during his tours and is often spotted at playoff games, was a fitting choice to announce the news. Now, with the addition of McKenna, the Leafs appear one step closer to clinching their first Stanley Cup since 1967.
Ann Wilson and Tripsitter Announce New Album ‘Consecrated Ground’
The group will also unveil the record’s lead single, “I Will Not Be Coming Back” Ann...
Cher’s Son Still in Mental Hospital as She Continues Conservatorship Fight
Cher’s effort to place her son Elijah Blue Allman under a California conservatorship...
Lionel Richie Cuts Minnesota Set Short After Falling Ill On Stage
The musician kicked off his joint tour with Earth, Wind & Fire in St. Paul on Wednesday...
Pharrell Debuts Tracks With Quavo, Lil Baby at Louis Vuitton Show
Pharrell Williams soundtracked Louis Vuitton’s Menswear Spring-Summer 2027 show with...