The Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL draft lottery, securing the first overall pick, while the San Jose Sharks claimed the second selection. An immediate mock draft forecasts Toronto choosing left winger Gavin McKenna from Penn State for his elite offensive vision and playmaking potential to support Auston Matthews. San Jose is projected to select defenseman Chase Reid from Sault Ste. Marie, capitalizing on the draft's strength in top-tier blueliners. Other notable picks include Ivar Stenberg for Vancouver, Keaton Verhoeff for Chicago, and Carson Carels for New York, each evaluated for their skills and team fit. This mock outlines the initial top 16 selections based on the new lottery-determined order.