New season, old number: Sabres Jack Eichel to wear No. 9 during 2018-2019 season

New season, old number (yes, that's right).

The Buffalo Sabres announced forward Jack Eichel will now be wearing the No. 9 during the 2018-2019 season. He formerly wore the No. 15 and has been doing so since he made his NHL debut in 2015. 

While it's a new number with the Sabres, Eichel is no stranger to wearing the No. 9. It was his jersey number while he played with Boston University.

The rumors of a number change started circulating early Friday when Eichel posted a picture to his Instagram account with an emoji over the number on the back of his jersey.

Jack Eichel just posted this on his Instagram. Perhaps a number change is on the horizon #Sabres pic.twitter.com/uQcb7Sb2Sk

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) July 6, 2018

“For a long time, the number nine has always been a part of my identity as both a person and as a player,” Eichel said in a press release from the Sabres. “The opportunity opened up to switch and I felt it was the right time to make the change as I begin the next phase of my career as a Sabre.”

Eichel made his debut with the Sabres in 2015 and during his three years in the league, has scored 177 points in more than 200 career games.

Here's the good news for fans with an "outdated" official-licensed Eichel jersey (No. 15). The Sabres store is offering a $49 credit toward the purchase of a new adult Eichel No. 9 jersey or a $29 credit toward the purchase of a youth jersey. Jerseys can be purchased beginning Monday, July 9th.