INTERVIEW: Toronto Maple Leafs 2026 NHL Draft Preview ft. Craig Button

Toronto Maple Leafs fans brace for a franchise-defining draft as all signs point to Gavin McKenna becoming the first overall pick. With high stakes and razor-thin margins separating top prospects like Ivar Stenberg, Chase Reid , and Carson Carels, TSN's Craig Button joins Mike DiStefano is joined by TSN's Craig Button to break down what gives McKenna the edge and how his game could reignite Auston Matthews' goal-scoring prowess. Could McKenna step straight into a major NHL role and change the Leafs' offensive dynamic? The conversation shifts to Toronto’s wider draft strategy, with four picks in the top 100 and a pressing need to build out its defence. Button unpacks the value of Matthew Knies on the trade market, the ripple effects of a potential blockbuster for the number two pick, and whether the Leafs’ management will shake up the roster after a disappointing season. The conversation shifts to Toronto’s wider draft strategy, with four picks in the top 100 and a pressing need to build out its defence. Button unpacks the value of Matthew Knies on the trade market, the ripple effects of a potential blockbuster for the number two pick, and whether the Leafs’ management will shake up the roster after a disappointing season. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everyday... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Decagon Ready to transform your customer support? Go to decagon.ai/LOCKEDONNHL to get a personalized demo and see what Decagon can do for your team. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now. 5-Hour ENERGY Get candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Leafs Draft Preview & Gavin McKenna Debate 10:16 Draft Depth & Scouting Insights 27:29 Leafs Trade Rumors & Team Direction Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOLeafs?sid=Yo... Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow on Twitter:   / mickey_canuck   Follow on Twitter:   / d_morassutti   Follow the show on Twitter:   / lockedonleafs