Justin Bieber Joins Maple Leafs to Announce Gavin McKenna as No. 1 Pick at 2026 NHL Draft
The NHL delivered on its promise of celebrity surprises Friday night in Buffalo when pop superstar Justin Bieber took the stage to announce the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first overall selection of Gavin McKenna at the Key Bank Center during the 2026 NHL Draft.
Bieber, a self-proclaimed die-hard Maple Leafs superfan, read McKenna’s name aloud to officially kick off the draft festivities. “What’s wrong, Buffalo?” a smiling Bieber said as he entered the arena. “What’s going on in Toronto?”
Bieber’s Lifelong Love for the Maple Leafs
The pop star said he was thrilled to be part of what he called an “incredible night.” “Oh man, the kid in me is excited right now. I’ve been a Leafs fan since I was a little boy,” Bieber beamed. “These nights are very special. I’m so grateful to be here.”
Dressed in a red zip-up with a Canadian flag, Bieber greeted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and thanked the families of some of the other top picks as he made his way to the stage. He and Bettman exchanged words before making Toronto’s selection official.
“Mr. McKenna, we would like to nominate you to the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Bieber announced.
McKenna Meets His New Captain
Following the announcement, Bieber introduced Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who congratulated the 18-year-old Penn State forward on joining the team via video message.
“I know how exciting this is for you and your family and what an incredible honor it is,” Matthews said. “You’re coming to a franchise that has an amazing history and fanbase, and we’re all working to write the next great chapter together. You’ll be a very important part of that.”
A Historic First Overall Pick
McKenna, who chose Bieber’s song “Yukon” as his walk-up song in honor of his home province in northern Canada, is Toronto’s first No. 1 pick since the Maple Leafs selected Matthews in 2016. He is only the third first overall selection in franchise history, joining Wendel Clark, who was selected in 1985.
Sportsnet’s Ailish Forfar asked Bieber if he was “manifesting a Yukon boy to his hometown team” when writing the song. “Um, sure, yeah,” Bieber said with a laugh.
Bieber added that it was “hard to put into words” how he felt about Toronto having the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. “I know this guy is going to make it,” he said, adding that he will “absolutely” wear McKenna’s jersey to Maple Leafs games this year.
Fans Celebrate Bieber’s Role at the Draft
On social media, many Maple Leafs fans cheered Bieber’s involvement in announcing the pick. One excited fan said the “Beauty and a Beat” singer gave McKenna a night to remember. “This is a story McKenna will tell forever, even when he’s 60. One of the greatest artists of all time has announced your draft pick,” they wrote.
“I’m not a pop fan but Biebs was the right choice,” another wrote, and a third called Bieber’s inclusion a “great idea.” “JB has always been a great supporter and never forgets where he comes from,” read a comment on Instagram.
Bieber Bleeds Blue and White
Over the years, the “Peaches” hitmaker has been a fearless advocate for the Maple Leafs on social media and is friends with captain Auston Matthews. His 2021 song “Hold On,” which he described as a “love letter to the Maple Leafs,” was dedicated to the team, and he even co-designed one of the Leafs’ alternate “Next Gen” jerseys.
The London, Ontario-born musician took his dedication to a whole new level during the pandemic-shortened 2021 NHL season when he picked the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup. Last year, he skipped the 2025 Met Gala in New York City to watch the Maple Leafs face the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL playoffs.
During a family vacation with his wife Hailey Bieber last summer, Bieber shared snaps of his son Jack Blues wearing a Matthews Maple Leafs jersey.
His unwavering fandom is exactly why Bieber — one of the biggest music stars in the world — was the right choice to introduce McKenna on draft night. Unlike Toronto Raptors global ambassador Drake, who was away from his courts for much of last NBA season, Bieber tirelessly supports the Buds whether they win or lose.
A Voice for Leafs Nation
After a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Panthers in last year’s playoffs, Bieber congratulated the team on its accomplishments and promised Leafs Nation that the team can still be a winner. “I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t obsessed with the Leafs,” he wrote on Instagram. “This year we’ve made it further than we have in a long time and I’m happy about that. I can be patient because I know this is the team that can do it.”
For a franchise that has been hoping for the Stanley Cup for almost 60 years, having one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities as a vocal supporter is a powerful boost for the fan base.
