FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Why does a player change their number?

Well, there’s often a number of reasons!

But for Mackie Samoskevich, his numerical connection goes way back.

Coming off a very successful rookie season in which he scored 15 goals in 72 games, the young Florida Panthers forward will be switching his jersey number from No. 25 to No. 11.

Following a recent summer skate at the Baptist Health IcePlex, I had a chance to sit down with Samoskevich to talk about his decision, his long history with No. 11 and much more.

OLIVE: Why was this the right time to change your number?

SAMOSKEVICH: I liked No. 25, but being here for a full year now and establishing myself in the league, I think it allowed me to do that. No. 11 was the one that I grew up wearing. My sister, Melissa, orig

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