Number 72 Resolved
Leafs' Gavin McKenna Hands No. 72 Jersey to Sergei Bobrovsky, Respecting NHL Tradition
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Gavin McKenna, the first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has given up No. 72 to veteran goalie Sergei Bobrovsky on the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to Toronto Sun. The two players met in the same dressing room, and McKenna agreed to let the two-time Stanley Cup winner keep his famous number.
Many Leafs fans had already bought McKenna's No. 72 jerseys after the draft lottery. McKenna said he would likely pick a different number for his rookie season, according to The Sudbury Star.
Bobrovsky Wore No. 72 Through Two Cup Wins
Sergei Bobrovsky made No. 72 iconic over his NHL career. He wore it during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers, according to Cochrane Times Post. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Florida. Giving up that number would have been a big ask for a veteran of his stature.
In the NHL, it is a long-standing tradition that veteran players get first pick of jersey numbers, according to Mitchell Advocate. Younger players, especially rookies, are expected to defer. McKenna, still a teenager, followed that tradition by stepping aside without a fuss.
McKenna and Bobrovsky Settled It Face to Face
The two players sorted out the number question after being introduced together in the Leafs dressing room, according to Toronto Sun. There was a direct conversation between them. McKenna chose to step back, making it a clean and respectful handoff.
Fairview Post reported that McKenna's willingness to give up the number was seen as a sign of maturity from the young star. It sent a strong early message about how he plans to carry himself in his first NHL season.
Fans Who Bought No. 72 McKenna Jerseys Left in Limbo
After the draft lottery, many Leafs fans rushed to buy No. 72 jerseys with McKenna's name on the back. Now those jerseys will not match what he wears on the ice, according to Edmonton Journal. It is not yet clear what number McKenna will choose instead.
Paris Star noted that McKenna said he would "probably" go with a different number in his rookie year. No specific replacement number has been confirmed yet. Fans who bought No. 72 gear may need to make a new purchase once he picks his official digit.
Leafs Add Two High-Profile Players in Same Offseason
Landing both Bobrovsky and McKenna gives the Maple Leafs a veteran goalie and a top prospect at the same time. Bobrovsky brings proven championship experience. McKenna brings enormous upside as the top pick in his draft class, according to Fort McMurray Today.
The jersey number story is a small moment, but it showed how the two fit together from day one. McKenna deferred. Bobrovsky kept his number. The Leafs' new era started with a simple, respectful handshake, according to The Sudbury Star.
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