Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna has officially ceded his No. 72 jersey to two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, after a phone conversation between the two players. Bobrovsky, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Leafs as an unrestricted free agent, confirmed the arrangement during his first Zoom call with Toronto media on Friday.
“He gave that number to me, we had a little chat last night,” Bobrovsky said. He praised McKenna, the first-overall draft pick, calling him “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’s history with No. 72
Bobrovsky did not start his NHL career with No. 72; he wore No. 35 with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. However, he made No. 72 famous during his dominant years with the Columbus Blue Jackets and while winning two Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers. The number has become synonymous with his success, and the veteran goalie will now sport it in Toronto.
McKenna, who was assigned No. 72 at the Leafs’ development camp, had previously indicated he would likely choose another number out of respect for Bobrovsky. “It’s a time-honoured NHL tradition that older players get first choice of sweaters,” the rookie said. Many Leafs fans had already purchased McKenna No. 72 jerseys after Toronto won the draft lottery, but McKenna acknowledged his next two preferred numbers—27 and 9—are retired by the club. Some have suggested he take No. 12, which is close to 72 and represents the lottery ball that clinched the top pick for Toronto.
Other Leafs number changes
Several other new Leafs are sorting out their jersey numbers. Defenceman Darren Raddysh, who wore No. 43 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is expected to reclaim that number from rookie Luke Haymes, who only wore it for four games last season. Centre Nick Paul, who wore No. 20 with Tampa, noted that all his NHL pictures show him in that number, but he also has childhood jerseys of Tie Domi’s No. 28 and Darcy Tucker’s No. 16, along with retired numbers of Doug Gilmour (No. 93) and Mats Sundin (No. 13). “But it’s about the crest on the front,” Paul reminded.
Winger Jack Roslovic wore No. 96 until joining the Edmonton Oilers, where it was taken by Jake Walman, so he switched to No. 28. Since that number belongs to Troy Stecher in Toronto, Roslovic may revert to No. 96, which has been worn by three Leafs previously: Phil Housley, Egor Korshkov, and Nicholas Aube-Kubek. Forward Colton Sissons wanted to keep his long-time No. 10 from Nashville, but that number is retired by the Leafs 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 consistently wears No. 53, but that is currently claimed by youngster Easton Cowan. Forward Brandon Duhaime has stuck with No. 22 most of his career, which would be fitting given Tiger Williams’ legacy and Duhaime’s physical style, but it currently belongs to Jake McCabe.
Bobrovsky, 37, will wear No. 72 for the Leafs, while McKenna will choose a different number for his rookie season. The veteran goalie’s arrival adds depth and experience to Toronto’s crease, while the rookie’s gesture underscores the respect between the two players.
