There’s kind of this unwritten rule in sports when it comes to numbers. When a veteran joins a team, they usually get first dibs at retaining the one they’ve worn their entire career, and the younger player typically volunteers to switch it up. But the odd time, the vet will elect to just go with something different, which was originally the case with Ottawa Senators forward Derek Stepan until the unexpected happened.
Let us explain.
Stepan, who previously wore 21 with the Rangers and Coyotes, initially let Sens youngster Logan Brown keep the digit until seemingly out of nowhere, decided he wanted to go back. So now Brown will be wearing #27 after thinking he was in the clear. Seems like an awkward thing to have to deal with… no?
Hockey players are just different and this very well could be attributed to superstition. The 30-year-old has had a tough go to start the season (1 goal, 2 assists) and is probably just looking to get back to his old self. But poor Brownie… guys hasn’t even dressed in a game this year. Hate to see it.
It’s unclear whether the Sens will even hold onto Stepan for the rest of the year at this point but hey, he got his wish. We just hope Brown is cool with the change!
(H/T Bruce Garrioch)
