McKenna Switches to No. 92 With Maple Leafs After Bobrovsky Signing

McKenna Switches to No. 92 With Maple Leafs After Bobrovsky Signing

Gavin McKenna, the Toronto Maple Leafs' first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, will wear No. 92 when he begins his rookie season this fall - abandoning the No. 72 he carried throughout his junior and college career after the Leafs signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to the same number on July 1. McKenna confirmed the switch following the team's development camp, where he had initially appeared in No. 72.

Bobrovsky, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup champion, has worn No. 72 for the majority of his NHL career, with the exception of his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, when he used No. 35. His arrival in Toronto effectively closed the door on McKenna's preferred number. The more straightforward alternatives were also unavailable: No. 9 is retired by the Maple Leafs in honor of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy, while No. 27 has been retired to honor Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler. online floorball betting site

Before settling on No. 92, McKenna contacted Jeff O'Neill - one of the three players previously to wear that number in Toronto - to seek his blessing. O'Neill gave his approval. McKenna had worn No. 72 during his time with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers and again last season at Penn State, meaning fans who have already ordered No. 72 jerseys with his name will need to account for the change.

McKenna is expected to be a central figure in a Maple Leafs rebuild after the club finished last in the Atlantic Division during the 2025-26 season. His transition to No. 92 is now settled ahead of training camp, removing one logistical uncertainty from a franchise under pressure to reverse course.