Potential Jersey Numbers for Gavin McKenna with the Maple Leafs Next Season

Gavin McKenna finds himself at a crossroads as he prepares for his debut NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Following the announcement of two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky joining the team, McKenna acknowledged that his hope of wearing his preferred No. 72 may not come to fruition. In a recent media availability, Bobrovsky confirmed that he will keep the No. 72, a number he has donned during his time with the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets.

During their conversation, Bobrovsky expressed his admiration for McKenna, saying, “He’s a bright guy. He’s got really positive energy. And I’m excited to watch him develop into the big superstar, honestly.” With Bobrovsky firmly attached to the number, McKenna must now look for alternatives.

Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, his fallback options are also unavailable, as both No. 27 and No. 9 are retired numbers in Maple Leafs history. So, what could McKenna wear next season? A few options have emerged, each carrying its own significance.

One compelling choice could be No. 12. This number not only resembles No. 72 visually but also holds a deeper meaning tied to the Maple Leafs’ recent success in the NHL draft lottery. Toronto had an 8.5 percent chance to secure the first overall pick, and the lottery balls that led to their victory included the number 12. This number ultimately changed McKenna’s trajectory. The last player to wear No. 12 for the Maple Leafs was Zach Aston-Reese during the 2022-23 season.

Another intriguing option for McKenna is No. 16, previously worn by fan-favorite Mitch Marner. Marner donned this number throughout his tenure with the Leafs, racking up an impressive 741 points and becoming a key playmaker for the franchise. McKenna’s playing style shares similarities with Marner’s, particularly in vision and playmaking ability, which could make wearing No. 16 a fitting tribute. Additionally, there’s a possibility that McKenna could find himself playing alongside Auston Matthews, just as Marner did.

However, choosing No. 16 would certainly be a bold statement for McKenna, who has already showcased his confidence leading up to the NHL draft and during the 2026 World Junior Championship. He has often cited Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov as a player he models his game after, and Kucherov’s No. 86 could also be a contender for McKenna. If he opts for this number, he would be the first player in Maple Leafs history to wear it.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.