Ryan Sikes 
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Add Christian Wolanin to the list of LA Kings who recently changed uniform numbers. The defenseman will wear No. 86.
Brought back to the LA Kings on a one-year deal, Christian Wolanin is making a change ahead of the 2021-22 season. The defenseman is reportedly changing uniform numbers, from No. 21 to No. 86.
D Christian Wolanin switches from jersey number 21 to number 86 for the Los Angeles Kings. Number never worn before in team history. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/Pr86yYUcdN
— NHL Jersey Numbers (@NHLNewNumbers) August 8, 2021
Wolanin, 26, was acquired mid-season in the abbreviated 2021 campaign for Michael Amadio, adding depth along the Kings blueline. The former Ottawa Senator was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and played in 58 NHL games prior to the trade.
The Quebec City, Quebec, native wore No. 86 at the IIHF World Championships for Team USA, collecting a goal and five assists in 10 games.
While I am unsure if there’s any correlation, the number change also opens the door for newcomer Vladimir Tkachev to take No. 21 – the number he wore with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL.
So far this offseason, we have seen Tobias Bjornfot give up the No. 33 to Viktor Arvidsson and defenseman Alex Edler selecting the No. 2.
Last year, we saw Carl Grundstrom go from No. 38 to No. 91, Austin Wagner from No. 51 to No. 27, Gabe Vilardi from No. 42 to No. 13, and Kale Clague from No. 34 to No. 58.
Kings 2021 eighth overall pick Brandt Clarke is among those still searching for a new number, with Quinton Byfield occupying the No. 55 for the foreseeable future.
Plan your Kings sweater purchases accordingly.
UPDATE (8/9)
There you have it.
F Vladimir Tkachyov will wear jersey number 21 for the Los Angeles Kings. Number last worn by Christian Wolanin in 2020-21. #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/sdYiRyOKSz
— NHL Jersey Numbers (@NHLNewNumbers) August 9, 2021