TSN predicted the Maple Leafs winning the lottery, when it actually came true the hockey world lost its minds
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, but they won it unofficially months earlier to similar reactions.
The Leafs trade deadline was one that fans have likely tried to forget, with a looming regular season playoff elimination, Toronto had a deadline day that underwhelmed expectations over the team's returns.
But what may be forgotten is the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs did have some luck, even if not real luck. Toronto won first overall in TSN's deadline day mock draft lottery.
Like the real event, a drawing was done of all eligible teams, with Toronto coming out as winners in the sweepstakes for the top pick in this year's draft.
TSN ran a mock draft lottery and had Toronto winning first overall and then it actually happened tonight
Fans got a taste of what the Leafs getting the first overall pick could be like in the TSN simulation lottery, even sweeter being the real thing.
The real lottery brought more the very real fear of the pick, having been at fifth overall, to slide one spot away from it's protection into the hands of the rival Boston Bruins.
Toronto, with just 8.5% odds to get the first pick, saw their odds drop after the second ball was rolled down to 4.5%, with ball #12 being the winner for the Leafs in the end.
It's an early success for recently hired General Manager John Chayka and advisor Mats Sundin, but their lucky win will now come with the harder job of finding the right player at first overall.
The hockey world’s reaction when Toronto’s name appeared first was what Leafs fans needed after the most chaotic week in franchise history
After what was arguably the most disappointing season of the Auston Matthews era by a long shot, not even the hiring of John Chayka was enough to rebound fan expectations.
The pick itself may not fully win back faith either, but getting first overall has been the pride Leafs fans needed after a slow burnout of a season.
The big reaction of the night from the Steve Dangle podcast showcased the raw passion of the Leafs faithful for obtaining the top pick.
Sid Seixeiro, perhaps to some surprise, was nothing but positive at the #12 ball rolling out to get Toronto their top pick, like most fans at home jumping out of his seat in euphoria.
TSN's 'Overdrive' crew, hosting a special draft lottery broadcast, also had a strong visceral excitement at winning the lottery, all three hosts in celebration mode shortly after the Leafs win.
Very few, if any, were touting a fake draft lottery in a season that had shown little to root far. After getting hold of the real thing, Leafs fans have found with the bounce of a ball more to cheer for than from what this season brought on the ice.
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Previously on Hockey Patrol