Players, unless they're veterans or young players just coming up for a few games, aren't typically allowed to wear high numbers. The idea there is that the numbers on the back of jerseys need to be close together for unity. A high number like number 70 is just too much individuality. Two exceptions are
Casey Cizikas with #53 pre dates Lou Lamoriello as the Islanders Gm, and
Jean-Gabriel Pageau with #44 he was allowed to keep his number from the Ottawa Senators trade.
Upon his arrival in New York, Horvat was forced take upon a new number to fit under Lou's Rules.
- Gord Miller