Nylander changes his number and Leafs fans lose their minds

Earlier today, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander took to social media to announce that he’ll be changing things up in 2019-20, switching his uniform number from 29 to 88.

Additionally, Nylander promises to pay for a aecrest for any Leafs fans that want to update their Nylander jersey from 29 to 88. Check it out:

Making the switch ... what’s old is new again #88

I’ve got you covered Leafs Nation, go to @realsportstoronto to have your jersey recrested on me. pic.twitter.com/gQWHZVxQMo
— William Nylander (@wmnylander) July 15, 2019

Pretty cool, right? The kid offers to pay out of his own pocket for Leafs fans who want an updated jersey. No controversy here, right? WRONG! These are Leafs fans, after all.

Leafs fans took to social media in droves to slam Nylander’s decision because it was worn by a former Leafs player, who just happens to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame: Eric Lindros.

For real? For real…

Lindros, despite playing just 33 games with the Leafs toward the tail end of his career, apparently deserves more respect from Nylander. For real? For real…

Check out some of these reactions:

It is an embarrassment. # 88 is affiliated with one N.H.L. Player - Eric Lindros, who wore it for the Leafs during 2 Seasons. I’d be surprised if Brendan Shanahan (a good friend of Eric) would allow Nylander to wear # 88.
— Peter Jackson (@RealPistolPete7) July 15, 2019

Lol, the real number 88 is a legend. One of the meanest, physical, and complete hockey players ever to play the game. Nothing like this kid.
— Toronto Bag Head (@torontobaghead) July 15, 2019

For real? Unfortunately...

Fortunately, we can now openly mock these people for their ridiculous opinions.

My favourite thing is the people annoyed that he took 88 because Lindros wore 88 when he played for the Leafs.

It reminded me that Lindros played for the Leafs.
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) July 15, 2019

Eric Lindros was a gigantic petulant baby whose parents actively pulled the strings all throughout his career. Kinda surprised Marner didn’t try to cop his number instead.
— Mike Stephens (@bymikestephens) July 15, 2019