On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they had signed Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year contract. Bobrovsky will wear jersey No. 72, which means Gavin McKenna, who also wears No. 72, will have to change his number. Why? Out of respect.
“He’s won two Stanley Cups. If he wants that number, he’s going to get that number,” McKenna told reporters.
Sergei Bobrovsky is one of the best goaltenders in NHL history. The 37-year-old has won two Stanley Cups and two Vezina Trophies. He currently has 456 career wins, which ranks seventh all-time in NHL history, just three behind Henrik Lundqvist in sixth place.
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Sergei Bobrovsky new contract
As a result, Bobrovsky is expected to be a key piece for a Toronto Maple Leafs team looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025–2026 campaign.
Meanwhile, another major addition to the Maple Leafs roster is Gavin McKenna, the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Coincidentally, McKenna has also worn No. 72 throughout his career, the same number Bobrovsky has made famous. Naturally, reporters were eager to find out how the situation would be resolved. Would the Hall of Fame-bound veteran or the generational prospect keep the number?
Gavin McKenna’s response
“Based on what happened yesterday, do you expect to wear 72 in the future?” a reporter asked.
“Probably not. Bob, he’s won two Stanley Cups. If he wants that number, he’s going to get that number,” McKenna responded.
So, what number will the first overall pick wear next season?
“I don’t know. My two other ones are taken. They’re up in the rafters, so I’ll have to think about it,” McKenna said.
The numbers McKenna referred to are 9 and 27, both of which have been retired by the Maple Leafs. No. 9 was worn by franchise legends Ted Kennedy and Charlie Conacher, while No. 27 was worn by Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.
You can watch the interview below.
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