As the saying goes, what's old is new again.
Which is exactly what William Nylander is aiming for. With a new season just around the corner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' forward announced on social media Monday he's switching up his jersey number again. After wearing no. 29 for the last three seasons, he'll sport no. 88 in 2019-20.
Before fans can get upset about the change, and their no. 29 jersey's becoming vintage, Nylander has offered to pay for any sweater with the now-old number to be updated at Real Sports Apparel in Toronto.
Making the switch ... what’s old is new again #88
— William Nylander (@wmnylander) July 15, 2019
I’ve got you covered Leafs Nation, go to @realsportstoronto to have your jersey recrested on me. pic.twitter.com/gQWHZVxQMo
However, it's not the first time Nylander has changed numbers. When he first cracked the Leafs' lineup in 2015, the then-19-year-old wore 39. He also wore 62 with the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
The shift again could be a good omen for Nylander. At the 2019 IIHF Men's World Championship, he sported no. 88 for Sweden where he netted 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in eight games. He is looking to find his game again after missing the start of last season due to a contract dispute. When he did return, he had seven goals and 20 assists in 54 games.
Nylander also wore the number with Modo (SHL) before he played in the NHL.
Prior to Nylander, the only Leaf to sport no. 88 was Hall of Famer Eric Lindros in 2005-06.