Gavin McKenna, who arrived in Toronto as the No. 1 overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft, expects his jersey number to change before opening night. Speaking to reporters Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie suggested No. 72 will likely belong to veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
“Probably not, probably not,” McKenna said when asked if he expected to wear No. 72 in the season opener. “Bob, he has won two Stanley Cups. If he wants that number, he is going to get that number.”
MORE: Gavin McKenna’s confidence will be ‘unbelievable’ for Maple Leafs
The 18-year-old admitted his preferred alternatives are unavailable. “I don’t know, my two other ones are taken. They’re up in the rafters, so I will have to think about it,” McKenna said, referring to Nos. 27 and 9, both retired by the Maple Leafs.
The exchange reflected the maturity that impressed Toronto throughout the draft process. Rather than focusing on personal preference, McKenna acknowledged the accomplishments of a veteran teammate joining the club after two Stanley Cup championships.
“Probably not, probably not,” McKenna said when asked if he expected to wear No. 72 in the season opener. “Bob, he has won two Stanley Cups. If he wants that number, he is going to get that number.”
MORE: Gavin McKenna’s confidence will be ‘unbelievable’ for Maple Leafs
The 18-year-old admitted his preferred alternatives are unavailable. “I don’t know, my two other ones are taken. They’re up in the rafters, so I will have to think about it,” McKenna said, referring to Nos. 27 and 9, both retired by the Maple Leafs.
The exchange reflected the maturity that impressed Toronto throughout the draft process. Rather than focusing on personal preference, McKenna acknowledged the accomplishments of a veteran teammate joining the club after two Stanley Cup championships.
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