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# What number will Auston Matthews wear?
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/what-number-will-auston-matthews-wear/
- Published: 2016-06-30T17:25:39.000Z
- Updated: 2016-06-30T17:25:39.000Z
- Description: You can't get his jersey yet - and that's because he doesn't have a number yet.
- Author: Ari Yanover
- Tags: #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:15

The [Toronto Maple Leafs](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/toronto-maple-leafs?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) are in prime position to get a massive boost in jersey sales. Not only do they have new ones now, but they've got a number of names ready to be attached to them. [William Nylander](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/246220/william-nylander?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com). [Mitch Marner](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/257874/mitchell-marner?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com).  And, of course, Auston Matthews.

Except, as Elliotte Friedman points out in his final [30 Thoughts](http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/30-thoughts-couldnt-edmonton-montreal-make-deal/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) edition of the 2015-16 season, Matthews' jersey isn't available yet - because he doesn't have a number yet.

> **26.** Here’s why you can’t buy a Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews jersey right now. Matthews hasn’t been given a number by the Leafs, and the new sweater isn’t available until September. (At last year’s NHLPA rookie showcase, Mitch Marner was the only player who didn’t have a number. He wanted 93 and the Maple Leafs weren’t doing that.)
> 
> Last season was different. The [Oilers](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/edmonton-oilers?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) made it public they were drafting [Connor McDavid](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/255253/connor-mcdavid?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), gave him 97 right away and had a launch party where people could buy immediately. When Matthews has a number his jersey will be available to purchase.

This seems... odd, to say the least? Matthews wore #34 both in Zurich and with the various U.S. development teams he's played for. No current Leaf has #34; the last guy to wear it was [James Reimer](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/54304/james-reimer?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com), and the Leafs are already looking to the future with [Frederik Andersen](http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/players/111720/frederik-andersen?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) in net. So what's the hold up?

Though in fairness, I suppose, the Oilers are used to getting someone first overall and trotting him out as the saviour immediately. Maybe the practice just isn't coming as naturally to the Leafs.