Taylor Hall explains the motivation behind his new number.

The former Oilers star talks about the big change.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 7 years ago
Taylor Hall explains the motivation behind his new number.
Keystone Press.

It's a big change this summer for Taylor Hall who will be moving from the only team he has played for, the Edmonton Oilers, and joining the New Jersey Devils.

Hall who wore a number in Edmonton that hangs in the rafters above the ice at the Prudential Center is aware that he will need a new number this year, and it sounds like he's looking forward to it.

"Obviously, the number four was retired here," said the 24-year-old referencing Scott Stevens' number, which was retired in 2006. "But, even if it wasn't retired, I'm not sure that I would have kept the number four. In choosing number nine, I'm looking for a fresh start."

Hall says he has already chosen the number, it will be #9, and he detailed the motivation behind the decision via the Devils official website.

"I actually tried to wear number nine, but someone had it, so I thought number four would be a cool number for a forward to wear. Plus, my mom was a huge Bobby Orr fan and I just stuck with it through Windsor and in Edmonton because it was always available," Hall explained.

"I originally wanted nine because I just thought it was a cool number. You always saw a lot of skilled guys wearing it. A lot of guys that score goals and play a little bit fancier and, if you look down the line, you'll see so many amazing players who have worn number nine, including within the Devils organization," he continued. "It was a number that was kind of flashy and, when you're a young kid playing hockey, that's what you're going for."

Hall believes that there is a long legacy of success associated with the number at the National Hockey League level, and he hopes to carry on that tradition, all while hoping that he can pull off the new look in style.

"There have been a lot of great players that have worn the number nine and I want to add to that list," Hall said. "I think in sports you can get too caught up in trying to prove people wrong or that you deserve something and it ends up taking away from the player that you are. I'm not going to change anything in that way, but I am looking forward to a fresh start and an exciting opportunity in New Jersey."

Before adding: "I hope I look good in it."

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