Oliver Ekman-Larsson speaks on his new number with the Leafs after being forced to switch due to John Tavares

This offseason the Toronto Maple Leafs made a major move signing defenseman Oliver-Ekman Larsson and today he revealed the reason behind his new number.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been one of the most respected defensemen in the NHL over the last several seasons. He came into stardom with the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes before being shipped off to the Vancouver Canucks. During his time with the Canucks Oliver Ekman-Larsson struggled to find the success he previously had. This once again led to a change of scenery as he was traded to the Florida Panthers.

In a new era with the Florida Panthers, Oliver Ekman-Larsson made a big switch deciding to wear the number 91 to go along with the year he was born. This change seemed to work wonders for Oliver Ekman-Larsson as he had a bounce-back season tallying 32 points in the regular season with the Panthers. Then of course the Panthers would take home a Stanley Cup Championship over the Edmonton Oilers.

After the season it was decision time for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. As a free agent, he needed to determine if Florida was still going to be home. In the end, he decided to leave a place where he found success and sign instead with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the new signing comes a major opportunity for Oliver Ekman-Larsson to once again be the guy. However, in the process, he will undergo another big change as he will be switching numbers.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson confirms he will be switching his number

In an interview at the Toronto Maple Leafs annual charity golf tournament, Oliver Ekman-Larsson was asked what number he chose to wear. Number 91 is of course taken by former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares which means Oliver Ekman-Larsson would be forced to switch. Instead, he will wear 95 to honor his brother who was born in 1995.

Despite leaving a Stanley Cup Champion team and being forced to change numbers once again Oliver Ekman-Larsson is excited for his new opportunity. He believes the Maple Leafs have a hardworking and unbelievable group which could go a long way.

With training camp coming up soon fans will get an opportunity to see Oliver Ekman-Larsson in his new number and with a Maple Leaf logo across his chest. If the Maple Leafs are going to take the next step Oliver Ekman-Larsson needs to be a massive factor in their improvement.

Source: Hockey PatrolJohn Tavares forces new Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to change his number

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