McKenna Hands No. 72 to Bobrovsky in Leafs Number Swap

Gavin McKenna gave up his number before he ever pulled on a Maple Leafs sweater.

Both Toronto’s new goalie, Sergei Bobrovsky, and the first overall pick wanted No. 72. Bobrovsky cleared it up at his first Leafs media availability and said McKenna handed the number over without a fight.

Bobrovsky was asked how the two settled it:

“Yeah, he gave that number to me, we had a little chat last night,” Bobrovsky said. “He’s a bright guy. He’s got really positive energy. And I’m excited to watch him develop into the big superstar, honestly.”

Watch Bobrovsky’s full media availability:

McKenna, 18, didn’t put up any resistance. Asked at development camp whether he expected to wear 72 next season, he said “probably not.” He pointed to Bobrovsky’s resume and figured the veteran earned it.

“If he wants that number, he can take that number,” McKenna said of the two-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Vezina winner, who also leads all active goalies with 456 regular-season wins.

The problem for McKenna is that his backup options are gone. No. 27 hangs in the rafters for Darryl Sittler and Frank Mahovlich. No. 9, which he wore at the 2026 World Juniors, belongs to Ted Kennedy and Charlie Conacher.

“I don’t know, my two other ones are taken,” McKenna said. “They’re up in the rafters.”

Bobrovsky didn’t expect to be picking a Leafs number at all. He figured he’d finish his career in Florida until the Panthers traded for Jacob Markstrom and steered him toward free agency. Toronto signed him to a three-year, $21 million deal a day later.

He talked about the sudden change of scenery:

“To be honest, I thought I’m gonna stay in Florida,” Bobrovsky said. “But things work out like how they work out and the Leafs put their trust in me, they put out their belief and they gave me good opportunity to join the historical legendary team.”

The No. 1 pick who just turned pro still needs a number. Bobrovsky already has his.