When the LA Kings take the ice this morning for their final practice before opening the 2021 NHL season vs. Minnesota, three noticeable changes will be included. Defenseman Kale Clague, along with forwards Gabe Vilardi and Carl Grundstrom have opted to replace their previous jersey numbers.
Vilardi is moving from No. 42 to No. 13 (the same number he wore in junior)
Clague is moving from No. 34 to No. 58 (only worn by Derek Bekar for six games in 2002-03)
Grundstrom is moving from No. 38 to No. 91 (no Kings player has previously worn this number)
It had previously been reported that Austin Wagner was moving to No. 27 this season.
Of the three new changes, Vilardi and Clague are certainly the most interesting. Clague leaving No. 34 will definitely please Arthur Kaliyev (discussed in detail here). However, Clague is on record as saying he would prefer No. 10, which is still currently occupied by Mike Amadio.
During the offseason, Vilardi had told us he wanted to keep No. 42 moving forward, thinking it was a unique number and something that would give him a fresh start. That conversation is linked below – and, yes, it includes some thoughts about the implications of him possibly taking over No. 13, Kyle Clifford’s former number.
For more on the LA Kings opening night roster shuffling, see here.
UPDATE
Only one player has ever worn No. 58 in an @LAKings game before. Derek Bekar did it for six games in 2002-03, including one very important game. https://t.co/xkjZd7h368 pic.twitter.com/LeS3Wjr53L
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) January 13, 2021
I caught up with LA's only other No. 58, Derek Bekar.
"Nothing but great memories from my time with the @LAKings and being a part of the Gretzky retirement night could be the highlight of my entire career. Unforgettable."
Also shared a pic of what proudly hangs in his house… pic.twitter.com/IkzPXLukUc
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) January 13, 2021
The inside jokes you need to start your morning… pic.twitter.com/wVVr9YnYoj
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) January 14, 2021
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