As stunning as the Toronto Maple Leafs 2026 NHL Draft Lottery win was, the fact is that it wasn’t a surprise to those following the breadcrumbs.
At the NHL trade deadline this year, it seemed like a fait accompli that the Leafs were not going to make the playoffs. Of course, that was how things played out. The question at that point became what would happen during the Draft Lottery.
So, the TSN panel covering the trade deadline ran a mock draft lottery, with commentator Jeff O’Neill unveiling the top two picks. The panel got one right and missed the other.
O’Neill revealed the Maple Leafs had won their mock draft lottery, landing the first-overall pick. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks landed the second selection.
The reaction from the panel showed disbelief at the Leafs, of all teams, winning the NHL Draft Lottery. It seemed like a bit of a wry joke at the time. But fast forward two months, and the Maple Leafs had the last laugh.
Comic Relief Turned into Prophecy
The TSN broadcast was likely a satirical take aimed at provoking a reaction among fans and media. When the broadcast aired, the lack of trades coming through the pipeline had stalled.
Of course, the segment had been most likely prepared in advance. The segment provided plenty of levity, as the comic relief delivered the intended effect.
That comic relief has now turned into prophecy. It seemed as though TSN knew something the rest of the hockey world didn’t. No, there’s no conspiracy theory here. There is no master plan to favor the Maple Leafs in the Draft Lottery.
But what does seem striking is that a gag now looks like a premonition. It’s also worth pointing out that TSN’s mock draft lottery got plenty wrong.
Maple Leafs Just about Only Thing TSN Got Right
The Maple Leafs’ victory was just about the only thing TSN got right in its mock draft lottery. The segment predicted the Blackhawks would get the second pick. Chicago ended up with the fourth selection.
In fact, the second-overall pick was a stunner as well. The San Jose Sharks moved up from seventh to second. TSN had San Jose at #11.
Other key misses with the St. Louis Blues at #5, they ended up 11th, while the Philadelphia Flyers were on the board at #14. The Flyers made the playoffs, and so will not pick in the first half of the first round.
Another unforeseen change was the Detroit Red Wings falling into the first half of the second round. At the time, the Wings were well ahead of the Maple Leafs and in a playoff spot. Their latest March collapse led them down to the 15th slot. To compound matters, the Wings sent their pick to the St. Louis Blues in the Justin Faulk trade.
Oh, one other thing. The TSN panel showed the Vancouver Canucks at #3, failing to catch a break. That’s, interestingly, what actually materialized. The Canucks dropped two spots, securing the third-overall selection.
The focus will now shift to what the Maple Leafs will do with their pick, potentially taking top prospect Gavin McKenna.
Maple Leafs NHL Draft Lottery Win Predicted Months Ahead