William Nylander will have a new look to start the 2018-19 NHL season.
We’re not talking about his flow and no, we’re not talking about his beard either. When action kicks off this October, the 23-year-old will be rocking a new number, throwing it back to his MODO Hockey Ornskoldsvik days with #88. He understands this kind of thing can frustrate fans with his jersey, so he's doing all of them a solid for the inconvenience.
That’s a step-up right there if we’ve ever seen one!
We could be seeing a new trend going starting with Leafs players. The highest number worn under previous general manager Lou Lamoriello was worn by Andreas Borgman with #55 but since his departure following the 2017-18 season, two players are now rocking relatively high numbers (John Tavares at #91, not to mention players have also been growing out their beards)., the highest number currently worn by a New York Islanders forward (where Lamoriello currently serves as general manager) is Johnny Boychuk at… 55. Anthony Beauvillier previously wore 72 but just so happened to switch to 18 with the arrival of Lou.
After a tough 2018-19 campaign in which he recorded just 7 goals and 20 assists in 54 games, perhaps the Swede is just looking for a new start. He now joins Eric Lindros as the only Leafs to wear the number.
(H/T William Nylander)
