What happened: Gavin McKenna has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Toronto, per ESPN. The deal brings the top prospect into the organization ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: Toronto won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery to secure the No. 1 overall pick, and McKenna entered the draft as the consensus top prospect. Getting his entry-level deal done in early July clears the way for him to compete for a roster spot right out of camp, giving the franchise a cost-controlled cornerstone as it builds toward the upcoming season.

What to watch: Watch for McKenna's first training camp with Toronto this fall and whether he cracks the opening-night lineup for the 2026-27 season.