McKenna’s gesture for Bobrovsky
Gavin McKenna, the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ first overall pick, has indicated his willingness to give up his jersey number 72 if newly signed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky desires it. McKenna wore number 72 during his season at Penn State and with the WHL‘s Medicine Hat Tigers. Bobrovsky, who previously wore number 72 with the Florida Panthers, recently signed a three-year, $21-million contract with the Maple Leafs as free agency commenced.
McKenna expressed his respect for Bobrovsky, stating, “He’s a two-time Stanley Cup champion. If he wants it, he can have it.” This statement was made at the Maple Leafs development camp on Thursday. The decision on which number McKenna will wear for his upcoming rookie season remains open.
The Maple Leafs have several retired numbers, which include McKenna’s alternative choices of 9 and 27. These numbers are retired in honour of franchise legends Charlie Conacher, Ted Kennedy, Darryl Sittler, and Frank Mahovlich.
Impact and heritage of the first overall pick
McKenna’s selection as the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft has generated significant discussion, with some, like Hall of Fame executive Jim Devellano, suggesting he could become a foundational player for the Maple Leafs. Devellano drew comparisons to the impact of players such as Matthew Schaefer for the New York Islanders and Islanders dynasty captain Denis Potvin.
Beyond his on-ice potential, McKenna has also been recognized for his connection to his Indigenous heritage. He proudly displayed his wolf clan logo and his sister’s homemade beadwork, representing ‘Every Child Matters’ and paying tribute to Residential Schools survivors, during the red carpet event in Buffalo. McKenna has been open about his background as part of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation through his grandfather, Joe Mason, who experienced the Residential Schools system.
Dale McCourt, a former first overall draft pick in 1977 and a member of the Kitigan Zibi, expressed pride in McKenna’s actions. McCourt, who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, noted that in his playing era, there was less public acknowledgment of Indigenous heritage in the NHL. He hopes to meet McKenna, who was the 2024 winner of the Bryan Trottier Indigenous Player of the year award for his outstanding play and community leadership.
McCourt highlighted the historical context, mentioning that while there was an unspoken connection among Indigenous players in the past, public recognition was scarce. He cited his own experience and that of his uncle, Maple Leafs great George Armstrong, who was also of Indigenous heritage. Armstrong, known as ‘Chief Shoot-The-Puck’ after receiving a ceremonial headdress, became more spiritual in the later years of his life, often wearing a beaded crest.
Kalley Armstrong, George’s granddaughter and an assistant professor at Nipissing University, believes her grandfather carried the strength from his family’s nomadic lifestyle into his playing career. She noted that her grandfather believed he was the only Indigenous NHL player during his time because the topic was not openly discussed. Kalley is now involved in the Stronger Together program, encouraging participation in hockey and teamwork for all ages and backgrounds.
McCourt, who played 532 NHL games, offered advice to McKenna, emphasizing that despite talent, the journey in professional hockey is rarely smooth. He noted that being the first overall pick means there are many others who believe they should have been in that position.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
