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Toronto Maple Leafs first-overall pick Gavin McKenna has officially chosen his NHL jersey number. The highly regarded winger confirmed Saturday that he will wear No. 92 during his rookie season.
McKenna explained the meaning behind his decision while speaking to reporters.
“I’m going to go number 92. I said that 9 and 27 are up in the rafters and wanted to have a little bit of both in there. So 92, 9 replacing the 7,” McKenna said.
The choice honors two of Toronto’s greatest players. No. 9 belongs to Hockey Hall of Famer Charlie Conacher, while No. 27 was retired for Darryl Sittler. McKenna previously wore No. 72 during development camp, but that number is now assigned to veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
MORE: Maple Leafs rumors: Toronto facing inevitable Morgan Rielly trade
Former Maple Leafs forward Jeff O’Neill revealed that McKenna personally called before making the switch official.
The X post reads, “Last night I got a FaceTime after dinner. Gavin asked if it was cool if he wore the number. I said ‘it’s the only way to go son. LFG.'”
NHL prospect Gavin McKenna during the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The 18-year-old also reflected on signing his three-year entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs.
“It means the world. It’s a big step in my career so to have my family there & experience it with them, it was pretty special,” McKenna said.
He added, “It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life. You got the draft & then pen to paper, it’s all coming together.”
McKenna said he has not made any major purchases since signing.
“I don’t got any plans right now,” McKenna said.
Instead, his focus remains on preparing for training camp.
“It’s been super busy and, honestly, this the least I’ve been on the ice in an entire summer just with how busy I’ve been,” McKenna said. “So, I want to get right back into it. Itching to get skating & get competing.”
McKenna enters a franchise undergoing major change after Toronto missed the playoffs in 2025-26. General manager John Chayka rebuilt much of the roster while keeping Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies at the core.
MORE: Gary Bettman’s letter to be opened in 2276 as NHL honors America’s 250th
Choosing No. 92 is a small moment, but it reflects McKenna’s awareness of the franchise’s history. Toronto expects far more than a new jersey number. The organization views the first-overall pick as a cornerstone capable of helping lead its next era.
Continue reading...
McKenna explained the meaning behind his decision while speaking to reporters.
“I’m going to go number 92. I said that 9 and 27 are up in the rafters and wanted to have a little bit of both in there. So 92, 9 replacing the 7,” McKenna said.
The choice honors two of Toronto’s greatest players. No. 9 belongs to Hockey Hall of Famer Charlie Conacher, while No. 27 was retired for Darryl Sittler. McKenna previously wore No. 72 during development camp, but that number is now assigned to veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
MORE: Maple Leafs rumors: Toronto facing inevitable Morgan Rielly trade
Former Maple Leafs forward Jeff O’Neill revealed that McKenna personally called before making the switch official.
The X post reads, “Last night I got a FaceTime after dinner. Gavin asked if it was cool if he wore the number. I said ‘it’s the only way to go son. LFG.'”
Gavin McKenna embraces next step in Toronto
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NHL prospect Gavin McKenna during the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The 18-year-old also reflected on signing his three-year entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs.
“It means the world. It’s a big step in my career so to have my family there & experience it with them, it was pretty special,” McKenna said.
He added, “It’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life. You got the draft & then pen to paper, it’s all coming together.”
McKenna said he has not made any major purchases since signing.
“I don’t got any plans right now,” McKenna said.
Instead, his focus remains on preparing for training camp.
“It’s been super busy and, honestly, this the least I’ve been on the ice in an entire summer just with how busy I’ve been,” McKenna said. “So, I want to get right back into it. Itching to get skating & get competing.”
McKenna enters a franchise undergoing major change after Toronto missed the playoffs in 2025-26. General manager John Chayka rebuilt much of the roster while keeping Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Matthew Knies at the core.
MORE: Gary Bettman’s letter to be opened in 2276 as NHL honors America’s 250th
Choosing No. 92 is a small moment, but it reflects McKenna’s awareness of the franchise’s history. Toronto expects far more than a new jersey number. The organization views the first-overall pick as a cornerstone capable of helping lead its next era.
Continue reading...
