Sergei Bobrovsky Upstages Gavin McKenna During Rookie Lap at Toronto Maple Leafs Opener Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna expected a traditional solo lap ahead of his NHL debut, but veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stepped onto the ice first during the team’s season opener against the rival Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena.
The incident bypassed a longstanding NHL custom where a first-year player taking his first regular season steps is permitted an isolated pre-game loop to soak in fan ovations. Instead, the 38-year-old Russian netminder preceded the 2026 top overall draft pick onto the playing surface, knocking practice pucks off the bench while remaining oblivious to the moment.
Viral Uproar Versus Routine Superstition
A video capturing the sequence quickly circulated online, amassing over half a million views within hours and triggering intense pushback from supporters. Commentators labeled the sequence a dick move
and criticized the veteran as a selfish
teammate who deprived the teenager of a once-in-a-lifetime distinction during the Habs’ 3-2 victory.
Defenders pointed to rigid pre-game habits typical among league veterans, noting that goaltenders operate as creatures of routine where leading the squad out remains a fixed custom. Observers even highlighted past footage showing the netminder similarly preceding other newcomers during his prior tenure, complicating whether the timing reflected calculated disregard or simple absent-mindedness.
Bobrovsky Apologizes for Taking Ice Before Rookie Winger
Addressing reporters on Friday, the veteran goaltender explained that he had completely lost track of the occasion and offered a direct apology to the young winger for taking to the ice before him. I completely forgot, I didn’t think about it, I didn’t mean to do that,
Bobrovsky stated, adding in jest, I pretended like it was my first game, too.
Whether the misstep stems entirely from an accidental lapse in focus or deep-seated pre-game conditioning remains open to debate, leaving supporters divided over locker room etiquette as the rookie continues searching for his first regular-season point.
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