NHL 2019: How to improve every team’s jersey
By Jeremy Tuch
Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division is home to four of the Original Six teams, meaning the Atlantic is home to some of the best jerseys in the NHL. But we can do it better.
Boston Bruins
Not much
The current home/road set has been in play since the Reebok switchover, and after a few tweaks it’s nearly perfect. This will be a common trend with Original Six franchises, so spoiler alert. If you have a classic look that transcends time, stick with it. The only criticism I really have is saved for their alternates to be (leaked here), which are rather bland as it stands.
I understand it gels with history, as the B’s wore this uniform set (or similar to it) between 1948-1955. A throwback to the brown era in the 1920s would be something cool. But that’s just my opinion, and critiquing a third holds much less ground than one for the home and road.
Buffalo Sabres
Lose the silver trim everywhere
The Sabres have done a great job fixing their wrongs over the last few years, including the Goat-Head, Buffaslug, and Turd Burger. Their current uniform looks the most like their original uniforms, which were perfect in every way. Even in the current generation of uniforms, some fixes were made, such as removing those silver armpits, to make a great looking set.
The only thing I would really do with these is remove any silver from the uniform altogether. Use white instead, it’ll look much cleaner. Additionally, the road jersey’s striping pattern may look better if it matched their originals. Just a thought.
Detroit Red Wings
Untouchable
This may be one of the easiest teams to write about here. Their main uniform design has remained unchanged since being renamed the Red Wings in 1932. Aside from a logo tweak here, a font change there, Detroit’s uniforms have remained the same for almost 90 years. Why change?
Florida Panthers
Not much
The Panthers were another team that didn’t fare well under Reebok uniforms. They kept their original logo and colors, but the redesign was cut from a template, and it didn’t look great. The team rebranded in 2016, and it looks very solid. I’m a fan of the shoulder patch treatment, especially for the captain and alternate captains getting an added patch up there.
The new logos are good, the colors are fine, there really isn’t a whole lot I would change about these. I am excited to see if/when they have an alternate uniform to add to the set, which according to Icethetics, maybe just around the corner.
Montreal Canadiens
Untouchable
This set is probably the most iconic uniform set in hockey history. The timeless logo, the unique striping pattern on the home red, everything together the way it’s been since the inaugural year of the NHL in 1917. For something that’s seen as much success, with both Cups and Hall of Fame players, it’s a mortal sin to touch this brand.
Ottawa Senators
Bring back either their 1920’s look or 1990’s. Either way, lose Reebok style.
Ottawa’s original entry in the NHL was between 1917 and 1931, and they used red/white/black barber poles, something the Sens 2.0 have let slip back into their current look (very good). The second coming of the Sens was in 1992 and had a pretty conservative look until that red/white/black weird striped jersey came out.
After that, Reebok ruined the unique look and turned it into a template color-by-number uniform. We can all agree, either of their first two brands would work much better than what they have now.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Lose the black third jersey, have a more unique design for the home and road
The Lightning have very plain uniforms except for two parts. Firstly, the lightning bolt on the side of the pants, which should never leave. Secondly, the black third jersey, which is an abomination and should be thrown away. Now, going back to their home and road uniforms, they’re just plain Jane. While that’s fine, you can’t help but think that some new feature on those uniforms could be a welcome addition.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Not much
The Leafs have kept it relatively safe over their 90+ years of being the Maple Leafs (they were the Arenas and St. Pats until 1927). Blue, white, maple leaf logo on the front, that’s about it. Everything else are just minor details.
There were some changes to the design over the years, namely the uniforms worn between 1970-1992. After 1992, they’ve changed little, and staying simple is something the Leafs do well. There isn’t anything to change with the current look.