Justin Bieber smiled like a child Friday night at the 2026 NHL Draft. Making a surprise appearance on June 26 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, he announced the No. 1 draft pick for his lifelong favorite hockey team: the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“What’s going on, Buffalo? What’s up, Toronto? Man, what an incredible night. The child in me is ecstatic right now — I’ve been a Leafs fans since I was a little boy,” Bieber said to the arena crowd after being introduced by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who called Bieber one of the team’s “most diehard and iconic fans.”
advertisement
What sounded like a mixed reaction to Bieber’s appearance from the Buffalo audience — which was likely full of Sabres fans — didn’t put a damper on the singer’s mood. He shared, “These nights are so special. I’m so grateful to be here.”
Bieber revealed Penn State’s Gavin McKenna had been drafted to the Leafs. McKenna, who’s from Whitehorse, Yukon, walked out to a fitting Bieber title, the Swag single “Yukon.” The pop star and hockey player posed for photos together onstage.
Friday also marked the release of Swag Live From Coachella (Weekend I), a 22-track live recording from Bieber’s headlining performance at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11. The live album, featuring guest spots from The Kid LAROI, Tems, Wizkid, Dijon and Mk.gee, arrived via Def Jam.
Watch the clip of Bieber from Friday night, which was shared by the Toronto Maple Leafs through the team’s official social media account, below.
