Toronto Maple Leafs’ Rising Star Gavin McKenna to Change Jersey Number
Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin – Gavin McKenna, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ first-round draft pick, has made a surprising decision that could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career. The 22-year-old player, who has been actively involved with the team during its development camp, is set to retire the jersey number he wore for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and Penn State during his college season. While his previous number, 72, had already become a familiar sight among fans, McKenna will now adopt a different identity on the ice, switching to the number 92 in the upcoming season.
A Unique Choice with a Twist
The decision to change his number came as a result of the Maple Leafs’ recent acquisition of Sergei Bobrovsky, the two-time Stanley Cup champion and Vezina Trophy winner. Bobrovsky, known for his association with the number 72 throughout most of his career, will don the same jersey when he joins the team. This move has created a bit of a dilemma for McKenna, who had hoped to carry the same number into the NHL. However, the team’s management has opted to prioritize Bobrovsky’s legacy, leaving McKenna to find an alternative.
McKenna’s original number, 72, had been a source of pride for him. It was not only a personal connection but also a symbol of his potential as a top-tier prospect. During the development camp, the number was already on display, and fans had eagerly placed orders for jerseys bearing McKenna’s name. The number’s uniqueness on most rosters made it a safe choice, but Toronto’s roster now presents a different story.
With Bobrovsky joining the team, the number 72 is no longer exclusive to McKenna. The Leafs’ new acquisition has effectively reshaped the landscape of available numbers, forcing the rookie to reconsider his options. The obvious solution would have been to switch to 27, a number previously worn by Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler, but both were retired in honor of their contributions to the franchise. Similarly, 9 was also retired, commemorating the legacy of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy. This left McKenna with fewer choices, prompting him to think creatively.
Bringing in the Past for a New Identity
After exploring the possibilities, McKenna settled on the number 92. While it may seem like an unusual choice, the decision was driven by the need to accommodate Bobrovsky’s presence on the team. The number 92, though less commonly used, offers a distinct identity for McKenna as he steps into the NHL. This move has sparked curiosity among fans, who are now adapting to the new jersey design and the implications for the team’s future.
McKenna’s choice was not made lightly. He reached out to Jeff O’Neill, one of the three players who previously wore the number, to confirm if it was still viable. O’Neill, who had previously donned the jersey during his time with the Leafs, expressed his support for McKenna’s decision. “It’s fair to say I was down with the idea,” O’Neill shared in a recent statement, highlighting the continuity of the number’s legacy within the team’s history.
“It’s fair to say I was down with the idea.” – Jeff O’Neill
This collaboration between McKenna and O’Neill underscores the importance of jersey numbers in hockey culture. While numbers often serve as a personal emblem for players, they can also carry the weight of historical significance. McKenna’s decision to embrace 92 demonstrates his willingness to honor the past while forging a new path forward.
The Maple Leafs’ choice to assign 92 to McKenna reflects their strategic approach to balancing tradition and modernity. With the team’s roster now featuring Bobrovsky, the decision to adjust numbers has been necessary to ensure clarity and individuality for each player. The Leafs, who suffered through a challenging 2025-26 season that saw them finish last in the Atlantic Division, are keen to make bold changes as they aim to rebuild and reinvigorate their squad.
McKenna’s transition to 92 is symbolic of his growth as a player and his readiness to adapt to the demands of the NHL. While the number may not have the same historical resonance as 72, it represents a fresh start for the rookie. The Leafs’ management has emphasized the importance of this adjustment, ensuring that McKenna’s new jersey number aligns with the team’s broader goals for the upcoming season.
As the development camp concludes, the focus shifts to the next phase of McKenna’s journey. His new number, 92, will be a visible reminder of the changes occurring within the organization. Fans, who have already begun adjusting to the new jersey design, will now watch closely as McKenna steps onto the ice for his first NHL game. The number change is more than just a logistical adjustment; it’s a statement of intent from the Leafs, signaling their commitment to creating a fresh identity while honoring their storied past.
The decision to change McKenna’s number also highlights the dynamic nature of team rosters. While some numbers remain steadfast, others are subject to change based on new signings and player development. The Leafs’ acquisition of Bobrovsky has added a layer of complexity to this process, requiring careful consideration of how to integrate the new star into the existing framework. McKenna’s choice to adopt 92 demonstrates his adaptability and the team’s strategic vision for the future.
Looking ahead, the Maple Leafs will rely on players like McKenna to drive their resurgence. The team’s recent struggles have led to a wave of changes, including the hiring of new coaches and the acquisition of veteran talent. McKenna’s number change is a small but meaningful part of this transformation, ensuring that each player can establish their own identity within the franchise. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the focus remains on how these adjustments will contribute to the Leafs’ overall success.
In a sport where jersey numbers often become a part of a player’s legacy, McKenna’s decision to change his number is a testament to the evolving nature of the game. The Leafs’ management has taken a proactive stance in redefining the roster, and McKenna’s adaptation to 92 is a clear example of that. Fans will now have the opportunity to see how this number becomes a part of the team’s story, potentially marking a new era of success for the Maple Leafs.
