Toronto Maple Leafs’ top draft pick, Gavin McKenna, has been actively participating in the team’s development camp. A notable change awaits him ahead of the upcoming season, as he will switch his jersey number.
McKenna sported the number 72 during his time with the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and more recently at Penn State. Fans had anticipated he would continue with this number after he wore it at the development camp. Many even purchased jerseys featuring ’72’ and his name.
However, a new development altered these plans. On July 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Stanley Cup-winning goaltender, who has worn the number 72 throughout much of his career, except for his initial seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers.
This situation prompted discussions about whether the team would allow McKenna, their new franchise player, to retain his preferred number or if they would prioritize Bobrovsky’s preference. The resolution came with McKenna opting to switch his jersey to number 92 for the season.
McKenna’s options were limited due to other retired numbers. Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy have number 9 memorialized in their honor. Similarly, Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler share the retired number 27. With these choices unavailable, McKenna embraced the number 92.
In a gesture of respect, McKenna contacted Jeff O’Neill, one of the few previous Maple Leafs to wear 92, to seek his approval. O’Neill agreed, paving the way for McKenna to embrace his new number.
As McKenna prepares to join the team, the Maple Leafs aim to recover from a difficult 2025-26 season where they finished last in the Atlantic Division.
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