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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.
Earlier after Round 1 of NHL Draft, Toronto general manager John Chayka said, “Gavin is an exceptional young man with tremendous talent and character. Throughout this process, we had the opportunity to get to know him and his family, and each interaction strengthened our belief in him as both a player and a person. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
Gavin McKenna puts on a sweater beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs selected McKenna first overall after a disappointing season that triggered sweeping organizational changes. Chayka has since rebuilt much of the roster while adding one of hockey’s most highly regarded prospects.
McKenna enters the NHL following an outstanding freshman season at Penn State. He recorded 51 points in 35 games, won the Big Ten scoring title and finished among the Hobey Baker Award finalists.
Earlier after the Draft, McKenna outlined his priorities. “I think I’m a player who makes all the players around me better, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cup,” he said. “That’s all I want, to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto.”
Thursday’s comments reinforce why Toronto values McKenna beyond his offensive talent. Respect for established veterans often helps young players earn trust inside an NHL dressing room.
His jersey number will eventually become familiar to Maple Leafs fans, regardless of which one he chooses. What matters more is how quickly his elite playmaking translates against NHL competition.
MORE: 2026 NHL Draft results: Full list of first-round picks by team
Toronto believes McKenna can become a cornerstone alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander. If his approach matches his talent, the jersey number itself will soon become a secondary storyline.
Continue reading...
“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.
Earlier after Round 1 of NHL Draft, Toronto general manager John Chayka said, “Gavin is an exceptional young man with tremendous talent and character. Throughout this process, we had the opportunity to get to know him and his family, and each interaction strengthened our belief in him as both a player and a person. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
Gavin McKenna’s attitude fits Toronto’s new direction
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Gavin McKenna puts on a sweater beside NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and singer Justin Bieber after being selected with the first pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs selected McKenna first overall after a disappointing season that triggered sweeping organizational changes. Chayka has since rebuilt much of the roster while adding one of hockey’s most highly regarded prospects.
McKenna enters the NHL following an outstanding freshman season at Penn State. He recorded 51 points in 35 games, won the Big Ten scoring title and finished among the Hobey Baker Award finalists.
Earlier after the Draft, McKenna outlined his priorities. “I think I’m a player who makes all the players around me better, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win a Stanley Cup,” he said. “That’s all I want, to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto.”
Thursday’s comments reinforce why Toronto values McKenna beyond his offensive talent. Respect for established veterans often helps young players earn trust inside an NHL dressing room.
His jersey number will eventually become familiar to Maple Leafs fans, regardless of which one he chooses. What matters more is how quickly his elite playmaking translates against NHL competition.
MORE: 2026 NHL Draft results: Full list of first-round picks by team
Toronto believes McKenna can become a cornerstone alongside Auston Matthews and William Nylander. If his approach matches his talent, the jersey number itself will soon become a secondary storyline.
Continue reading...
