How new Leafs Sergei Bobrovsky and Gavin McKenna settled No. 72 question

Дата публикации: 03-07-2026 18:30:18

In the end, paying respect to his elder's sweater number request earned the rookie McKenna a new friend in the veteran goalie.

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Seniority has its privileges when it comes to who gets No. 72 on the Maple Leafs. 

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After two players very unlikely to be Leafs a couple of months ago wound up in the same dressing room, coveting the same number, first-overall draft pick Gavin McKenna has officially ceded it to two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

“He gave that number to me, we had a little (phone) chat last night,” Bobrovsky said on his first Zoom call with Toronto media on Friday. 

Bobrovsky said the gesture was part of a great first impression of McKenna.

“He‘s a bright guy, he’s got really positive energy and I’m excited to watch him develop, to be a big superstar in this league.” 

Bobrovsky did not start out with No. 72 in his NHL career in Philadelphia in 2010, choosing No. 35. But he made No. 72 famous in his dominant years with Columbus and two Stanley Cups with Florida. 

On Thursday, after the Leafs landed ‘Bob’ on a three-year $21 million UFA contract, McKenna told reporters at Leafs development camp he’d probably opt for another digit in his rookie season, praising the decorated stopper. It’s a time-honoured NHL tradition that older players get first choice of sweaters. 

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That’s despite a number of Leafs fans who already had purchased McKenna No. 72s right after Toronto won the draft lottery at the end of the regular season and more last week when he was officially drafted.

McKenna, who was assigned No. 72 at this summer orientation, acknowledged his next two choices, 27 and 9, are retired by the club. 

Many have suggested he take 12, which is close to 72 and represents the lottery ball that clinched top pick for Toronto. He could go back to 72 in a few years unless the 37-year-old Bobrovsky keeps defying age. 

Which numbers will the new players wear?

Other Leafs number re-distribution notes:    

Defenceman Darren Raddysh: He had No. 43 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and likely takes it back as rookie Luke Haymes only had it four games last season and it has been a long time since Nazem Kadri was identified with it. 

Centre Nick Paul: Told us Thursday all his NHL pictures are of him wearing 20 as he was with Tampa. But he had a Tie Domi No. 28 as a kid (now worn by Troy Stecher) and a Darcy Tucker No. 16, to go with two retirees in his collection, Doug Gilmour’s No. 93 and Mats Sundin’s No. 13. 

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“But it’s about the crest on the front,” Paul reminded. 

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   Why the Maple Leafs rewarded Vinni Lettieri and added a goalie

Winger Jack Roslovic: Wore No. 96 until joining the Oilers, where it was taken by Jake Walman, so he reverted to 28. As that’s Stecher’s, it could be back to 96, worn by three Leafs to date, Phil Housley, Egor Korshkov and Nicholas Aube-Kubel.

Forward Colton Sissons: He wanted to retain his longstanding No. 10 from Nashville, but it’s retired here for George Armstrong and Syl Apps. 

“I’ll have to think about that one, I haven’t changed in a long time,” Sissons said. 

Forward Teddy Blueger: A consistent custom of wearing No. 53, though that is currently claimed by youngster Easton Cowan.

Forward Brandon Duhaime: Has stuck with No. 22 most of his career, which would be good fit here for anyone who knows Tiger Williams’ lore and Duchaime’s rough side. But it currently belongs to Jake McCabe. 

Lhornby@postmedia.com 

X: @sunhornby 

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