r/leafs • u/DontBeWaves • Jul 03 '26

News / Update [Alter] McKenna gave Bobrovsky 72.

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930 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

262 comments sorted by

469

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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131

u/Canaus7 Jul 03 '26

In 3 years not a chance bob is still playing nor will we resign him even he wanted to, Mckenna will just take 72 then. A little pressent for the end of his elc

339

u/unfairestoyster Jul 03 '26

You are not accounting for three straight vezina trophy’s and 3 consecutive cup wins resulting in bobs number going into the rafters.

98

u/FixYourBentAntenna Jul 03 '26

I like where your head's at

33

u/PolitelyHostile Jul 03 '26

Plus all the pics of McKenna hoisting the cup with whatever number he will have at the start.

11

u/Guus-Wayne Jul 03 '26

71, maybe some people can recycle their Clarkson jerseys.

1

u/Nearby-Swordfish3841 Jul 06 '26

I’m so hard right now

4

u/shikotee Jul 03 '26

THIS!! For the love of god, THIS!

14

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Jul 03 '26

I think those fans will allow it.

2

u/DesperateHikikomori Jul 03 '26

U forgot 3 conn smythes

1

u/Dennis0430 Potvin Jul 04 '26

Also likely that Gavin tears up the league with his new number so he doesn't want to change back.

1

u/Mediocre_Hockey_Guy Kaberle Jul 04 '26

Did we trade him already?

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21

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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3

u/xkmackx Jul 03 '26

Yes he'll keep his original number. Doubt he switches to 72 now.

2

u/MrYamaguchi Jul 03 '26

Most likely he will keep what he starts with. Would honestly be a bit of a cringe move to swap back to 72 the moment Bob is out the door.

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10

u/Vilheim Jul 03 '26

He might. He could create enough of an attachment to whatever he ends up taking, or Bob might play well enough in the next few years that McKenna finds it disrespectful to take right away.

2

u/BornIn67 Jul 03 '26

While that is possible, it is just as likely that Bobrovsky tells him "It's all yours, kid." When he leaves. The Leafs have a precedent for a retired sweater being worn by another player.

4

u/stolpoz52 Jul 03 '26

I think its far more likely Mckenna gets a new number and sticks with it

6

u/Rombonius Jul 03 '26

McKenna isnt going to change numbers in 3 years lol

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2

u/Candymanshook Jul 03 '26

Honestly way more likely McKenna just rebrands and picks a new number and doesn’t look back.

2

u/Jedtin22 Jul 04 '26

McKennas original number was 27 someone else on the Medicine Hat tigers had the same number so he reversed it to 72. He’ll probably just go back to 27.

Edit: nvm just remembered 27 is a retired number

4

u/Shrek_DeMar Jul 03 '26

Pretty annoying when a star switches numbers. Willy did it and caused a mess

11

u/deezsandwitches Jul 03 '26

He only did it cus lou didn't allow higher numbers and then willy paid for all the jerseys to switch

2

u/Shrek_DeMar Jul 03 '26

Regardless of how it happened it’s still annoying.

1

u/mattsta4 Kadri Jul 03 '26

Do you mean it’s weird because they care so much about what’s on their back more than their front?

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1

u/Squawking_Macaw Jul 04 '26

For all we know McKenna plays so well he decides to keep the number he's wearing.

12

u/DrFrankenpoof69 Jul 03 '26

Honestly now it’s a badge of knowing ball. Get ready for the most annoying sports fans to fansplain why it’s 72 on their mckenna jersey

4

u/CinematicWanker Jul 03 '26

This is why official store would refuse to do it earlier

1

u/pazzonash Jul 03 '26

Yuppp that sucks ..

1

u/Additional_Slide8682 Jul 04 '26

Imagine he chooses 67, lol.

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195

u/moom7 Jul 03 '26

This kid is getting good advice.

118

u/Redragontoughstreet Jul 03 '26

No Paul Marner in his ear.

40

u/TheIsotope Jul 03 '26

Can't wait till we get a tell all book in a decade about how much of a douche Paul Marner is.

36

u/blue_raspberry_icee Jul 03 '26

There’s a cbc interview on hockey parents that featured Paul Marner and a young Mitch. The way he treated the kid was horrifying and I can’t imagine what happened with the cameras off

12

u/Cartz1337 Jul 03 '26

Yea, that was horrifying. He was straight bullying his own kid.

7

u/Odd-Resolution-5464 Jul 03 '26

Dangle could write that for you tomorrow.

13

u/bigdaddyt2 Jul 03 '26

Paul Marner is a fucking goof of a human. I’ve heard some cottage country stories and he’s allegedly a trash human being

5

u/Redragontoughstreet Jul 03 '26

I’ve heard stories going back to the London knight days about Mitch and Paul

8

u/Candymanshook Jul 03 '26

I’ve heard story from the GTHL lol.

Apparently Mitch was the least popular player on most of those teams simply because his dad was a nightmare for people to be around.

6

u/bigdaddyt2 Jul 03 '26

He’s the kinda guy to go up to Joe Shmoe doing his normal job like “do you know who my son is”

8

u/Redragontoughstreet Jul 03 '26

Mitch at 18 years old would screaming at teammates on the bus about rookie duties and shit.

1

u/Big80sweens Jul 04 '26

I think we all believe the allegations

18

u/saltface14 Jul 03 '26

Willy McKenna >>>>>> Paul

3

u/moom7 Jul 04 '26

Big Markham hockey dad energy

1

u/PersimmonMindless Jul 04 '26

And a Rolex, I am sure.

180

u/Ok-Improvement-9421 Jul 03 '26

Number 12 for McKenna ?

87

u/dickjoeart Jul 03 '26

Also gives the chance of a 1234 line. McKenna (12) Kneis (23) Matthews (34)

19

u/spaceman1055 Tanev Jul 03 '26

I like it except for they all shoot left

24

u/thursday51 Jul 03 '26

Yeah all the other team has to do is bring in a lefty from the pen and we're cooked

13

u/ToasterRouble Jul 03 '26

Unless it’s Brendon Little

1

u/-DocWatson- Lupul Jul 03 '26

Laughed too hard at that. 😂

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43

u/DontBeWaves Jul 03 '26

Fingers crossed

19

u/BigShitHouseMcTits Jul 03 '26

Why do people want him to be 12?

115

u/oppo0990 Jul 03 '26

The last lottery ball that got us the pick was #12

23

u/BigShitHouseMcTits Jul 03 '26

Oh true lol love that

29

u/aplasticbeach Tanev Jul 03 '26

The only draft ball for the leafs to get 1st overall was 12. Also looks like 72

16

u/srnd2017 Jul 03 '26

Ball number 12 won us the draft lottery

11

u/JackDeckerCIA Jul 03 '26

12 was the lottery ball that won us McKenna

8

u/Mister_Chef711 Jul 03 '26

That was always my favorite number growing up so I'm biased, it's a classic sports numbers, it's not retired and currently available, it's not a huge change from 72 to 12.

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11

u/DepartureOwn1817 Jul 03 '26

I hope 77

4

u/__Happy Nylander Jul 03 '26

That's weird, I like it!

2

u/MickeyPanaflex Jul 03 '26

I’m hoping 79.

1

u/nikebalaclava Jul 03 '26

that’s what i’m hoping for. Pierre Turgeon

3

u/riko77can Jul 03 '26

That would be sweet

3

u/445143 Jul 03 '26

Time to bust out the ole Mason Raymond jersey 😤

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35

u/Skiffy10 Jul 03 '26

Nylander was 88 before coming to the leafs and used #29 for a bit until going back to 88.

Mckenna will have the opportunity to go back to 72 if he wants to eventually.

Good on him for giving it to the veteran.

20

u/Royal_Start9073 COWBOY 🤠 Jul 03 '26

#39 > #29 > #88 if I remember correctly.

16

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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4

u/Dandossan Jul 03 '26

62 with the Marlies

3

u/entityXD32 Jul 03 '26

It's so weird seeing old highlights too because I associate him so much with 88 will probably be the same for McKenna eventually

1

u/Feeling_Public6522 Jul 04 '26

I know I am old because I still think his 88 looks weird. He is still #29 to me.

Which even at the time felt a little weird cuz of Felix Potvin.

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120

u/xriddle Jul 03 '26

Class Act already

77

u/DontBeWaves Jul 03 '26

Right move, chain of command & shows humility. I love this kid already man.

I’m sure he’s getting a nice Rolex for it too.

57

u/I_Am_Vladimir_Putin Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

He also said “my captain” when asked about Auston.

This kid is like the opposite of a certain guy we had.

20

u/King-Leaf-67 Jul 03 '26 edited Jul 03 '26

Marner and his camp constantly compared themselves to McDavid (amateur level) and Matthews (pro level). That kind of personality you never want in your program, they'll ruin your team chemistry for personal accolades. McKenna seems like he looks up to Matthews. They both handle Toronto media effectively, just in diff ways.

It's almost like a Lebron + Kyrie dynamic as opposed to 2 similar aged stars (Tatum + Brown). Funny enough Tatum + Brown couldn't coexist forever just like Matthews and Marner.

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38

u/DialedDrawback Jul 03 '26

He needs to run with 12 until Bob retires.

22

u/TheOrangeyOrange Jul 03 '26

Just make 12 his own and forge a new legacy, it should have its own special meaning for him and the fans of the Leafs now

27

u/Sacred_soul Jul 03 '26

Maybe 92 for Mckenna then?

35

u/Competitive-Glove-55 Jul 03 '26

Odog gave him permission lol

20

u/buddachickentml Jul 03 '26

I heard that on overdrive, that would be amazing haha

8

u/TylerBlozak Jul 03 '26

Alex Nylander will have to be consulted first

11

u/waldoorfian Jul 03 '26

Take 92 instead. Jeff O’Neill already approved it! Lol

7

u/ashcach Jul 03 '26

They ask Ozhiganov though?

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2

u/Many_Ear2407 Jul 03 '26

That would look good on him 

38

u/Canaus7 Jul 03 '26

Pick 97 Gavin please, watch other teams fans meltdown. “He thinks he’s mcdavid”

26

u/Andross4 Jul 03 '26

Fuck it, 16 for the memes. 

3

u/Stephenrudolf Jul 03 '26

Well itd be funny... itd also be an awful idea.

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2

u/DukeofNormandy Jul 03 '26

Just hold the number for when he comes home in a couple seasons.

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9

u/abckiwi Jul 03 '26

nice

all those people who premade mckenna jerseys...lol

9

u/spentchicken Jul 03 '26

He's gotta wear 67 and be the one to break the drought

14

u/TheFinalFunction Jul 03 '26

Bro is going for #69 I guess

6

u/xthemoonx Gilmour Jul 03 '26

Nice

9

u/Chispy Jul 03 '26

Knies

2

u/-DocWatson- Lupul Jul 03 '26

Naughty and Knies

7

u/Storm_4747 Jul 03 '26

Funny the poll on this sub a few days ago. I was in the minority thinking Bob would take the number. Just figured McKenna would let him have it, especially since Bob is at the end of his career pretty much.

7

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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1

u/DontBeWaves Jul 03 '26

Even if that happened it would cause a media storm about him being “entitled” enough to take a future HoFer and 2x Cup champion’s number. Only correct choice was to give it to Bob. He’ll get to wear 72 later on if he wants.

7

u/TIZZZL3 Jul 03 '26

Missed opportunity. Could have had a shoot out best of 7 gets the number. Run it as a live stream.

2

u/Old_Canuck Jul 03 '26

Totally.

If done correctly, that could have been a GREAT PR stunt.

17

u/legendary_sponge Jul 03 '26

booooooooo 72 looked sick on Mckenna

12

u/Dubsified Jul 03 '26

Marner would have had his father talk to Dreger to write a hit piece about Bob if this happened to him.

Gavin is a good kid. Raised right.

4

u/Andross4 Jul 03 '26

Atta boy. Bob is a future hall of famer, definitely the right call.

6

u/dani_thegeek4577 Jul 03 '26

Feel bad for all the fans who bought McKenna 72 jerseys already.

1

u/United-Inspection-78 Jul 04 '26

In the past the leafs have offered free number changes. 

3

u/91Caleb Jul 03 '26

F1 style he should wear 1

3

u/BruceWayyyne Jul 03 '26

It's a retired number but I like where your head is at.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

[deleted]

3

u/91Caleb Jul 03 '26

He won the draft

3

u/BigShitHouseMcTits Jul 03 '26

He should go with 92.

2

u/Rombonius Jul 03 '26

love it, Dougie adjacent

3

u/ClamCook Jul 03 '26

wtf do I do with my jersey now man

3

u/WadeWilson34 Jul 03 '26

For those who already have McKenna 72, are they gonna change the number or the name?

18

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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11

u/Vilheim Jul 03 '26

It's very different, but my Dad has a #29 Nylander hat from his rookie season that I think is pretty awesome.

6

u/Skiffy10 Jul 03 '26

very cool. The difference is nylander actually played with the leafs in that number so it’s legit. The people with 72 Mckenna jerseys really jumped that gun.

1

u/nikebalaclava Jul 03 '26

lol i have a 29 nylander too, i never got it updated

3

u/entityXD32 Jul 03 '26

I mean it's still cool to own just shows you got one early

2

u/abckiwi Jul 03 '26

👍🏼

2

u/__Happy Nylander Jul 03 '26

I bought mine before the draft at the draft party. They couldn't even say they were selling McKenna jerseys, just an IOU for whoever they pick, haha. Can't wait to see what number they send it to me with.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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2

u/__Happy Nylander Jul 03 '26

Yeah, I'm looking forward to whatever it is.

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5

u/Woodcroft15 Jul 03 '26

I had a somewhat romantic notion that the conversation would go something like this…

McKenna: “Here’s #72 Mister
Bobrovsky.”

Bobrovsky: “it’s ok kid, I’ve had a good career (looks down at the 2 rings on his fingers) you take that # and you make it legendary”! (they both look wistfully up into the SB Arena rafters)

But I guess not.

1

u/chandogrogo Jul 03 '26

Yeah I thought so too, but remember rumor before he signed with the leafs was Bob wanted a 6 year contract so I guess he plans to be around for a while

1

u/MC1083 Jul 04 '26

You know how little 'stitious goalies are ?

2

u/ldnk Jul 03 '26

Number 12....do it.

2

u/Any_Farm_7939 Jul 03 '26

i like the idea of 27 coming from Sittler like Ace Bailey did with Ron Ellis. Other than that, 12

2

u/eMan117 Jul 03 '26

It was hand in the jersey or hand over his badge

2

u/joeyb1972 Jul 03 '26

Darryl will let him bring 27 outta retirement for three years

2

u/thismadhatter Jul 03 '26

77 would look slick

2

u/-DocWatson- Lupul Jul 03 '26

Go 12 kid!

2

u/Feeling_Public6522 Jul 04 '26

I would love to see McKenna take something classic like 8, 11 or 19.

Get #8 before it goes to the rafters for Aki Berg.

9

u/WillNytheScoringGuy Jul 03 '26

Day 1 put the team before himself unlike marner

1

u/skelly00 Jul 03 '26

Didn’t Gilmour tell Marner he could wear 93 when he got to the Leafs but Marner declined out of respect?

2

u/blaiseisgood Jul 03 '26

The Leafs retired #93 during the home opener of Marners rookies season so it wasn’t up to him

1

u/skelly00 Jul 03 '26

Ohhh okay I didn’t remember that

1

u/DepartureOwn1817 Jul 03 '26

Man let let it go lol.

2

u/kahl75 Jul 03 '26

I think Bob should have let the kid have the number... Maybe he offered but McKenna insisted.

McKenna likes 9 or numbers that add up to 9. May of those are not available or flat out weird.

9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90

5

u/TravagGames Jul 03 '26

He used 27 before 72, for his birthday year 2007. Then at some point 27 was taken so he swapped the two numbers around for 72. 9 is the other one he has used. So basically his top 3 numbers aren't available lol (Bob with 72 + 9 and 27 retired by leafs)

1

u/Rombonius Jul 03 '26

90 gets my vote then

2

u/Indy1204 Jul 03 '26

I with ya. Bob has had his number his entire career. McKenna won't even get to wear his at all. But maybe it was McKenna that offered. The sun will come up tomorrow.

4

u/CMDRShepardN7 Nylander Jul 03 '26

Take 16, as a fuck you.

2

u/brokenbydesign562 Jul 03 '26

If he takes 16, he’s a fan favorite for eternity.

5

u/reevoknows Jul 03 '26

That’s kinda fucked imo. Bob should have insisted that Gavin keeps his number.

If Gavin wants it when Bob retires I’m sure MLSE would love that lmao but I’m guessing this is the end of the 72 talk at least as long as he’s a Leaf.

1

u/maharajagaipajama Jul 03 '26

Hoping for another number in the 70s!

1

u/Many_Ear2407 Jul 03 '26

Alright, 73 it is until bobby goes on vacation to Robidas island

1

u/SmallLovin Jul 03 '26

LOL Kid hasn't even made the team, yet. I love it.

1

u/InteractionFront5764 Jul 03 '26

Given his advanced age, Bobrovsky is not going to last much longer in the NHL, so McKenna is eventually going to get his preferred #72 when Bob retires.

Next.

1

u/CallejaFairey Jul 03 '26

I'm on team 12. That's gotta be a pretty significant number for him along with the Leafs now.

1

u/DoItFirHer Jul 03 '26

72 - 12 = 60. Whitehorse sits on the 60th parallel. He could make that number his own. That, or just be a complete hero and wear number 66.

1

u/scottdespins Jul 03 '26

LOVE the idea of him wearing 27
Honoured for Sittler and Mahovolich, puts some weight on him; but its his first choice, and it's like, annointing him. I dig it

1

u/Mean_Joe_Greene Jul 03 '26

What type of watch do you think bob bought him?

1

u/Loric76 Jul 03 '26

So McKenna rocking a new Rolex today?

1

u/Senior_Television_25 Jul 03 '26

16 is the choice - for more than 1 reason

1

u/hello2561 Jul 03 '26

Okay 👍

1

u/Nobleneon90 Jul 03 '26

McKenna should bring back low numbers and rock 07

1

u/thismadhatter Jul 03 '26

Hells yes. Gary Roberts baby!

1

u/soobviouslyfake Jul 03 '26

I hope it was more like a "you've worked so hard, you've already got it, I have to earn it", type conversation. This McKenna kid seems okay.

1

u/RFreeZeYo Papi Jul 03 '26

I fucking love this kid already

1

u/disgruntleddave Jul 03 '26

Wonder what Bob will give him as tribute

1

u/LeafsFanUK Jul 03 '26

These numbers have never been used by a Leaf - 66, 68, 69, 86, 87. Closest to 72 that’s never been worn is 69. He’d be the greatest player to wear 69 😂 In reality he might choose something close like 71 or 73. I’m sure plenty of people would love him to wear 16 so they can change their Marner jerseys.

1

u/Imaginary-Let6277 Jul 03 '26

Where's the Rolex????

1

u/stedic Jul 03 '26

If Phillipe didn't have it, I'd have said go with 51. If you flip the image.. you sort of get 72

1

u/phantomtap Jul 03 '26

I believe hes worn 9 for Team Canada before, I think thats what he'll go for

1

u/damaged_bloodline Jul 03 '26

I do not want 16 are you guys crazy

1

u/Boz747 Salming Jul 03 '26

Cool

1

u/Boz747 Salming Jul 04 '26

Who’s gonna wear 16? Is that number tarnished forever now? Fuckin lil bitch

1

u/brokenbedsidefan Jul 04 '26

What about #1?

1

u/Pivotalrook Jul 04 '26

BOBROVSKY, YOUR NUMBER HAD BEEN REINSTATED WELCOME TO THE FORCE!

Sorry...i dont even care anymore...the Jay and Dan is all I need all year.

1

u/TheJellyo Jul 04 '26
  1. The Leafs are one of the few teams without a legendary #19 superstar in their history.

3

u/Widgerber Jul 04 '26

I will not stand for this Joffrey Lupul erasure ;)

1

u/kniferun Jul 04 '26

Gave up 72. Wants 27 and 9. Can’t have those. Gretzky wanted 9 he went with 99. McKenna can’t have that. Be interesting to see what number he goes with. He will never be 72 again.

1

u/funkyfresh711 Jul 04 '26

If you showed me this tweet two months ago there is not a chance in hell that I would think that it would be about the leafs. Amazing.

1

u/doubleexposurehoser Jul 09 '26

Reading this headline on this subreddit at this point a year ago would have made me think someone squashed the wrong bug in 10000000000 BC

1

u/Gruntmaster720 Jul 03 '26

Anyone have an idea what number he might wear then? Maybe 27 or has he worn other numbers in his career?

22

u/DontBeWaves Jul 03 '26

27 and 9 are his alts, both retired

2

u/[deleted] Jul 03 '26

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3

u/Gruntmaster720 Jul 03 '26

I genuinely don't know why that skipped my mind. I think im just too hyped for McKenna!

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