Walt McKechnie
15 Interesting Facts
A versatile centre and the first-ever draft pick for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he enjoyed a 17-year professional career spanning nine different NHL franchises.
He was the first player ever selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL amateur draft.
He played for nine different franchises during his professional career.
He recorded 82 points during the 1975-76 season while playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
He was named the Western Hockey League's rookie of the year in 1968.
He was involved in a three-way trade that sent him to the Boston Bruins in 1974.
He served as the deputy mayor of the municipality of Dysart et al.
He operated a family-style restaurant in Haliburton, Ontario, for over two decades.
He represented Canada at the 1977 World Ice Hockey Championships.
He considered a local pool hall in London, Ontario, to be his personal academy during his junior years.
He played a total of 955 regular season games in the National Hockey League.
He was acquired by the Minnesota North Stars in February 1968.
He finished his playing career with the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in the Central Hockey League.
He was inducted into the London Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
He played for the Cleveland Barons before the franchise merged with the Minnesota North Stars.
He was acclaimed as a municipal leader in the 2022 elections.
About Walt McKechnie
A journeyman centre who played for nine different NHL franchises, he was the first-ever draft pick in the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Over a 17-year professional career, he recorded over 600 points and later transitioned into a successful life in local politics and business in Ontario.
Career Achievements & Milestones
WHL Rookie of the Year
1967-68
London Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
2009
Team Canada World Championship Participant
1977
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Walt McKechnie.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Walt McKechnie played for 12 different teams during his 16 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1963.