A Bobrovsky-McKenna link is already gaining attention!
This is starting to feel like something worth tracking.
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year deal worth $7 million per season on the opening day of free agency, bringing a two-time Stanley Cup champion into the fold. But one of the first orders of business had nothing to do with contract terms or practice schedules. It was about a number.
Gavin McKenna, the young Leafs prospect who was drafted first overall just over a week ago, had been wearing No. 72. Bobrovsky, who has sported that same number for years, was coming to town. Something had to give. Speaking at Leafs development camp, McKenna made it clear there was no drama involved and told reporters he would “probably not” be wearing 72 next season, adding with a grin, “Bob, he’s won two Stanley Cups, if he wants that number he’s going to get that number.”
“Bob, he’s won two Stanley Cups, if he wants that number he’s going to get that number”
Gavin McKenna tells reporters at Leafs development camp that he will “probably not” be wearing 7⃣2⃣ next season 👇https://t.co/gU543Js3tR
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) July 2, 2026
The following night, the two connected directly. According to reporter David Alter, Bobrovsky confirmed that he and McKenna spoke and that McKenna officially offered him the jersey number.
Bobrovsky, for his part, sounded genuinely impressed by the young forward. In his introductory conference, the veteran goaltender said, “He gave that number to me… He’s a bright guy. He’s got really positive energy, and I’m excited to watch him develop into a big superstar in this league.”
It is a small gesture, but it signals something meaningful about the culture forming inside the Leafs’ locker room. McKenna, widely regarded as one of the organization’s most exciting prospects, showed an immediate willingness to defer to a proven winner. Bobrovsky, meanwhile, responded with warmth and respect for the teenager’s future.
Sergei Bobrovsky chatted with Gavin McKenna last night about No. 72.
“He gave that number to me… He’s a bright guy. He’s got really positive energy, and I’m excited to watch him develop into a big superstar in this league.”
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) July 3, 2026
The veteran netminder’s arrival in Toronto came after the Florida Panthers essentially closed the door on a reunion. Florida acquired Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils and added backup Akira Schmid from Vegas, locking in a new goaltending tandem. It’s been reported that Bobrovsky’s final pitch to the Panthers was three years at $21 million, but the club had already moved on. Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger confirmed the Leafs stepped in with a matching three-year term at $7 million annually.
#72 for the Toronto Maple Leafs: Sergei Bobrovsky 🤩#leafsforever https://t.co/RnpbnoL4wm pic.twitter.com/J112Pax6Yx
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) July 3, 2026
What number would you like to see Gavin McKenna wear with the Leafs in 2026-27
— David Alter (@davidalter) July 3, 2026
Bobrovsky brings deep postseason pedigree and an existing relationship with fellow Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz from their shared time in Florida. His regular season numbers dipped last year, posting an .877 save percentage and a 3.07 goals against average in 52 games, but his reputation in high-pressure moments remains formidable.
Add to that the jersey number exchange, which stands as an early sign that the connection between Toronto’s newest veteran and its brightest young talent is already off to a promising start.
