Watch Justin Bieber Make Gavin McKenna No. 1 NHL Draft Pick for Maple Leafs in Trending Video

The Toronto Maple Leafs' selection of Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft featured a unique announcement.

Pop singer Justin Bieber, a noted Maple Leafs fan, was present at the KeyBank Center to make the pick and welcome McKenna to the team on Friday.

McKenna will join Toronto after wrapping up a strong 2025-26 season in college at Penn State.

He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and became the first Penn State player to win the Big Ten scoring title after tallying 38 points on 11 goals and 27 assists throughout 24 conference games.

McKenna finished with 36 assists overall, setting a new Penn State single-season record.

The 18-year-old previously suited up for the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers from 2022-25, racking up 165 points in 133 games.

Toronto's draft decision wasn't a shock, as McKenna was linked to the Maple Leafs ever since they won the draft lottery on May 5.

They're looking to complete a quick turnaround this offseason after finishing at 32-36-14 during their 2025-26 campaign, snapping a streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances.

Toronto was already busy under new general manager John Chayka prior to Friday's draft, acquiring defenseman Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 19.

Now, McKenna is in the mix after he was welcomed to the Maple Leafs by a two-time Grammy Award-winner.