A report says Auston Matthews himself will call Gavin McKenna's name at the draft

According to sources, Gavin McKenna is a lock to be drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 26th, and they are going to have Auston Matthews make the announcement.

Everyone is under the impression that the Maple Leafs will picks Gavin McKenna first overall and for good reason. He's an incredibly marketable and generational talent who can transform the franchise for the foreseeable future and according to sources it's a done deal - and Auston Matthews is going to be the one calling his name.

McKenna is the presumed first overall pick in this year's draft, and with 310 points over his last 3.5 seasons and being one of the most talented yet humble and grateful prospects we've seen in quite some time; it almost feels like a no-brainer.

Though Toronto can do something different as is their want, they would be spitting in the face of all the hard work they've done recruiting McKenna, and it could make others feel a lot of distrust. So with that, they very well should pick him first overall.

McKenna is a Maple Leaf and we're just waiting for the official announcement

And some believe it's a done deal.

According to Hockey 24/7 on X, the reported word is that the Maple Leafs are going to no doubt select McKenna first overall, and not only that; but the captain is going to make the announcement himself:

It's a lock. Gavin McKenna will be drafted first overall by the Leafs, according to multiple sources. Auston Matthews is extremely happy and was told this by Sundin during their one on one meeting in Arizona Matthews will be making the selection at the draft.

If this is indeed true, then not only does this confirm earlier reports that Matthews was a happy captain who wants to win in Toronto, but it also all but assures him the playmaker he needs to get back on track.

The fact it was Sundin who led the charge in telling Matthews is also a good sign for those who were worried that the team may draft Ivar Stenberg give the Swedish connection.

Auston Matthews making the decision holds a lot more importance than some realize

Let's be honest with ourselves. We had no idea whether or not Matthews was going to stick around, want a trade, or otherwise feel the Maple Leafs aren't the team to get it done.

You can't fault him, his teammates gave up on him after a serious injury, and the organization from top to bottom was dysfunctional.

But they have quickly turned things around. First overall pick aside (and that does help a LOT), the team has been proactive in dumping the dead weight and replacing them with the right people. The Judd Brackett hire may be one of their best moves this entire offseason, and if they are bringing in Joe Pavelski as coach then they have a respected and brilliant modern mind.

These are the moves of a team with a plan, and that's what Matthews wanted from the start. He wanted to see action from his front office and the captain has gotten that in spades.

When McKenna's name is called to the podium on June 26th, it'll be his captain doing so and standing alongside him on stage; much like he will come October.

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