Justin Bieber Takes the Stage at 2026 NHL Draft to Announce Top Pick for Toronto Maple Leafs

Justin Bieber stepped into the spotlight at the 2026 NHL Draft to celebrate his lifelong passion for professional hockey.

The 32-year-old Canadian artist, best known for hits like "Love Yourself," traveled to Buffalo, New York on Friday, June 26 for the opening day of the draft. There, he was given the honor of announcing the league's top overall selection.

Bieber arrived on stage wearing a red track jacket emblazoned with the Maple Leafs logo, making his way through the crowd to meet with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The Grammy-winning performer expressed his enthusiasm about the moment, reflecting on his deep connection to the sport.

"Man, what an incredible night. Awe, man, the child in me is ecstatic right now," Bieber shared as he walked to the stage, adding that he had been "a Leafs fan since I was just a little boy."

The artist then announced Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old prospect, as the 2026 first overall pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Mr. McKenna, we would like to draft you to the Toronto Maple Leafs," Bieber declared.

McKenna, who earned Big 10 freshman of the year honors following his inaugural season at Penn State, ranked fifth in NCAA scoring. He made history as the highest-drafted player ever from Canada's Yukon region—a fitting detail as Bieber's track "Yukon" played during the announcement.

The NHL has observed a surge in new fan interest following the success of the HBO series Heated Rivalry, which became an international phenomenon and prompted the league to acknowledge the show's impact on viewership earlier this year.