Toronto received the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft after a disappointing 2025-26 season. The No. 1 pick is portrayed as crucial for strengthening a franchise’s contention or rebuilding into legitimate contenders. The Maple Leafs’ first overall selection in franchise history came in 1985. After missing the playoffs in three of the previous four seasons, Toronto used the pick to select Wendel Clark. Clark became a popular team captain known for an aggressive, gritty style and frequent willingness to fight for teammates. His wrist shot enabled him to score 30+ goals in seasons when healthy. Injuries limited his availability, with more than 66 games played only once, in 1986-87 when he played 80 games.
"When the lottery balls bounced the Toronto Maple Leafs way after a disappointing 2025-26 NHL season, they were finally rewarded with one of the rare gems in the league, which is owning the first overall pick at the NHL Entry Draft. Having the No. 1 pick can be vital to any franchise looking to fortify their contention status, or to turn around their fortunes to make them legitimate contenders once again. In the case for the Maple Leafs, they definitely hope that it will serve to push them back into the playoff mix as early as next season."
"So how many times have the Leafs actually had the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, and did they end up helping the organization to much success? Here, we will take a look at all of the No. 1 picks by Toronto in the history of the franchise. All of the first overall picks by the Maple Leafs in the NHL Draft history 1985 - Wendel Clark"
"Having missed the playoffs in three of their previous four seasons while bottoming out during their 1984-85 campaign, the Maple Leafs headed into the 1985 NHL Draft with the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history. With the pick, the Leafs selected future team captain Wendel Clark. Although Clark didn't end up being the absolute saviour of the Maple Leafs, he sure became one of the most popular Leafs of all time due to his play on the ice."
"The electric winger's gritty and aggressive style of play, hitting everything in his path while dropping the gloves to stick up for his teammates quickly made him a fan favourite in no time. In addition, it wasn't just his physical play that stood out as Clark also possesses a wicked wrist shot that enabled him to easily pot 30+ goals a season whenever he was healthy. However, staying healthy was the main issue with the Leafs winger as he only played more than 66 games in a season just ONCE in his career, which was during the 1986-87 season with Toronto in which he suited up for a whopping 80 games."
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