The NHL draft in Buffalo, New York, kicked off on a high note with a surprise guest appearance by pop star Justin Bieber. Bieber, a self-proclaimed die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, took the stage to announce the team's selection with the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Clad in a red zip-up jacket with a Canadian flag emblazoned on it, Bieber greeted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and acknowledged the families of the other top picks before making the announcement. With a smile, he read aloud the name of the selected player, Gavin McKenna, a 18-year-old forward from Penn State.
Bieber's enthusiasm was palpable as he introduced Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who congratulated McKenna on joining the team via video message. Matthews expressed his excitement about having McKenna on board, saying, "You're going to be a very important part of our team and help us write the next great chapter in our history."
McKenna, who selected Bieber's song "Yukon" as his walk-up song in honour of his home province, is the first No. 1 pick by the Maple Leafs since Matthews was selected in 2016. The selection marks a historic moment for the franchise, with only a handful of players being chosen as the first overall pick in team history.
Bieber's involvement in the draft was met with widespread excitement from Maple Leafs fans, who cheered him on for his dedication to the team. Many took to social media to express their gratitude for Bieber's support, with one fan writing, "Whatever you think about it, that's a story McKenna will tell forever – one of the biggest artists to your draft pick."
Bieber's love for the Maple Leafs is well-documented, with a long history of cheering them on through social media and even co-designing an alternate jersey for the team. His dedication to the franchise is exactly what the team needs, as they continue to chase a Stanley Cup win.
