Phil Kessel makes surprising change after joining Golden Knights

Phil Kessel, at one time was one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the National Hockey League and as such his number 81 has always been synonymous with Kessel. However it appears the era of 81 is over. Earlier this week, Kessel signed a1-year 1.5 million dollar contract and with that, his number has changed.

According to the Vegas Golden Knights Twitter account, the newly signed Kessel will wear number 8 in Sin City.

Kessel, 34,, has played on 1,204 NHL games all with the number 81 on his back. He's collected 399 goals and 557 assists for a total of 956 points.

All things considered, it's just a number, but seeing Phill Kessel in any other number than his customary 81 will take some getting used to for sure.

Although, usually professional athletes are creatures of habit and don't want anything to change. Good for Kessel for being willing to change numbers to not disrupt the locker room he's about to walk into.

MUST READ

1 hour ago  |  By Tom Banks Brady Tkachuk Reveals How the Bash Brothers Line was Born at the Four Nations

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Team Canada Top Defensemen Opens Up On The Difficult Decision To Miss The Four Nations Finale

15 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks John Tortorella Reveals How He Avoided Canadian Rivals After Crushing Four Nations Defeat

16 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Detroit Red Wings Trade 30 Year Old Goaltender to the Western Conference

18 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Trevor Zegras Learns His Suspension Fate After Dirty Hit Against The Detroit Red Wings

19 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Gary Bettman And The NHL Make Major Change To Ryan Hartman's Suspension After Appeal

20 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Insider Gives Major Prediction On Mikko Rantanen's Situation With The Carolina Hurricanes

22 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Legendary NHL and New York Rangers Broadcaster Sadly Passes Away at 68 Years Old

MORE STORIES