"A new face was wearing an old number on Thursday, as New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin stepped onto the ice at Islanders camp with No. 29 stitched across his back. For over a decade, that number had been synonymous with Brock Nelson, who wore it with pride from 2013 until his trade to Colorado earlier this summer. Drouin becomes the first Islander since Nelson to don 29, and while jersey numbers are just digits on a sweater, this one carried weight."
"Drouin, who signed a two-year deal with New York over the offseason, didn't want to claim the number without first checking in with Nelson, whom he briefly played alongside in Colorado. That small gesture underscored the respect Drouin holds for Nelson-not only as a former teammate, but as a central figure in Islanders history."
"Nelson leaves behind a remarkable legacy in No. 29. His 901 games rank fourth all-time in franchise history, his 295 goals place him fifth, and his 574 points put him eighth. For a fan base that grew accustomed to watching him night after night, seeing someone else in the sweater will take some adjusting. But Drouin now becomes the 13th player in Islanders history to wear 29, joining names such as former captain Kenny Jonsson, forward Jay Pandolfo (the last before Nelson), and goaltender Jamie McLennan."
Jonathan Drouin arrived at New York Islanders camp wearing No. 29 after signing a two-year deal. Brock Nelson had worn 29 from 2013 until his trade to Colorado, creating a deep association between the number and Nelson. Drouin asked Nelson for permission before taking the jersey, reflecting respect between the former teammates. Nelson compiled 901 games, 295 goals, and 574 points for the franchise, ranking among team leaders. Drouin becomes the 13th player to wear 29, joining names like Kenny Jonsson, Jay Pandolfo, and Jamie McLennan. The number marks a new chapter rather than a replacement.
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