Gavin McKenna finally addresses the controversy that cost fans dearly
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ jersey numbers are not something Gavin McKenna is going to argue over. In any event, not this one.
He was asked straightforwardly about donning No. 72 this week when he met Sportsnet with cameras rolling at a Leafs practice facility.
Before he responded, his grin gave it away. His microphone was covered in SN and BarDown branding, he had a huge grin on his face, and “PROBABLY NOT SO” flashed beneath him as the response came in.
“Bob, he’s won two Stanley Cups. He will acquire that number if he wants it.
He’s talking about Sergei Bobrovsky, who has a $7,000,000 cap impact on Toronto next season and won’t be moving.
Bobrovsky had four shutouts and 20 victories this year despite having a save percentage of just .876 across 52 games.
Even with a rough stretch, that’s enough mileage to keep real estate on a jersey.
The argument is settled by Bobrovsky’s $7 million cap charge.
“Bob, he’s won two Stanley Cups. If he wants that number, he’s going to get that number.”
Gavin McKenna says he doesn’t expect to wear No. 72 for the Leafs next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/m1zi61vYPq
— BarDown (@BarDown) July 2, 2026
Finishing 32-36-14 and ranking 28th overall in the league, Toronto has just ended a difficult season.
Over their last ten games, the Leafs went 2-7-1 with a goal differential of -46, ending the season on a seven-game losing streak.
With a franchise that’s already coping with enough noise, why would an incoming candidate enter a numbers battle?
He wouldn’t. And he’s not.
It’s the intelligent move. It’s not a kid’s way to win over a locker room by picking a fight with the incumbent starter before donning a single regular season jersey.
McKenna understands that. Regardless of the hoopla around him arriving in Toronto, the impression I’m getting from the room is that he’s incredibly perceptive for someone who has never played a shift.
In that space, numbers matter more than supporters realize. What does it feel like to change your digits during the middle of your profession? According to any seasoned pro, it’s more like switching your last name than just changing a hat.
McKenna’s actual jersey number for the next season has not been revealed by Toronto. More about his position on this roster than anything he stated on camera on Thursday may be revealed by that response.
