Toronto Maple Leafs’ top draft pick, Gavin McKenna, made waves during the team’s development camp this week. The promising rookie is facing a significant change as he prepares for the upcoming season: altering his jersey number.

While playing for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and Penn State last season, McKenna was known for wearing No. 72. Fans anticipated seeing him in the same number with the Maple Leafs. Many even purchased jerseys with his name and No. 72.

However, complications arose when the Leafs signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Stanley Cup champion who also dons No. 72. Questions arose about who would get to wear the number.

Ultimately, McKenna opted for a switch to No. 92 for the season.

McKenna considered multiple options for his new jersey number. While the sum of 7 and 2 is 9, that number is retired in honor of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy. Another possibility, No. 27, is also retired, honoring Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.

Faced with limited choices, McKenna selected No. 92. He reached out to Jeff O’Neill, one of the three players who previously wore it, to seek his approval.

With O’Neill’s blessing, McKenna will lead the Maple Leafs as they strive to improve from their disappointing 2025-26 season, which saw them bottom out in the Atlantic Division.