Official jersey numbers revealed for Maple Leafs' newest additions

Tanev switches to number 8

Chris Tanev, previously wearing #3 during his time with the Dallas Stars, will now take on the number 8. This is a significant change, as the number was most recently worn by Jake Muzzin, who has been a fan favorite in Toronto.

The Hockey News' David Alter reported this change on X, noting that Tanev's move to #8 could signal a fresh chapter in his career with the Leafs:

Cedric Pare, a towering 6'4» center, will suit up in the #56 jersey, which was last worn by Erik Gustafsson. According to the team's history, only six Maple Leafs have worn this number, giving Pare a unique place in the organization.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, known for wearing #23, has made a bold change by opting for #95, a number never before worn in Toronto's franchise. Matthew Knies currently occupies #23, prompting Ekman-Larsson's shift.

The Swedish defenseman is expected to bring veteran leadership and an offensive boost to the Maple Leafs' blue line as he carves out his own legacy with this unclaimed number.

Jani Hakanpaa, signed during the offseason, will wear the iconic #28, a number long associated with Tie Domi. While Hakanpaa is known for his physical style, it's unlikely he will engage in as many fights as Domi did during his tenure in Toronto.

Dakota Mermis, another offseason acquisition, will sport the #36 jersey. Previously worn by players like Carl Gunnarsson and Dmitry Yushkevich, Mermis will have large shoes to fill while donning this notable number.

Philippe Myers will wear #51 this season, a number previously synonymous with Jake Gardiner. Gardiner, a Leafs mainstay for seven seasons, left a lasting impression on fans, and Myers will have the chance to forge his path in this familiar number.

Goalie prospect Hildeby has chosen to wear #35, a number traditionally worn by netminders such as Vesa Toskala and most recently Ilya Samsonov. Fans will be watching closely to see if Hildeby can live up to the expectations of this storied number in Toronto's crease.

Unlike sports like football or basketball, jersey numbers in hockey often stay with one player for the duration of their career. It's rare to hear stories of players buying their preferred number from a teammate, as happens more frequently in other leagues.

For the Maple Leafs, numbers often carry sentimental value, and the new players will aim to etch their own history with their assigned jerseys. The Leafs' new roster updates can be found at the official Toronto Maple Leafs roster page.

Let's hope that by June, one or more of these newly assigned numbers will be engraved on Lord Stanley's Cup.

Source: Hockey Patrol
Maple Leafs new roster additions finally get their official jersey numbers