NHL 2019: How to improve every team’s jersey

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

Not much

Aside from fidgeting with the collar over the last few years, the Blackhawks’ main identity has been the same since 1955. This is for good reason, as the brand is one of the finest in hockey. As the case with other Original Six teams, the Hawks don’t have any changes they need to make to their current set to improve it.

Even their third jersey, which is their Winter Classic jersey from a year ago, is great as an alternate, as well as reaching back into history to rehash a great look from the 1920s. No complaints here.

Colorado Avalanche

Not much

The Avalanche came to Denver and established a great look that paid tribute to the Rocky Mountains they call home. The color scheme was unique, burgundy and blue, and the uniforms worked well. The age of Reebok ruined those uniforms, but the Avs brought them back when Adidas took over, and we are all happier for that.

This is what Avalanche uniforms should look like. I do miss the Bigfoot logo, but that’s just me. The alternate pays tribute to the Colorado state flag, and as far as alternate jerseys go, this is a good one. If the Avalanche stay with these uniforms, it’d be just fine. Maroon is a rare color for jerseys, but it looks good.

Dallas Stars

Not much

I am a big fan of the Stars’ uniforms with the star pattern on the jersey, a design they kept from 1997 to 2007. It was unique, they owned their colors, and won using it. Along came Reebok and killed it with fire.

The Stars uniforms turned into boring college-style uniforms with almost no character anywhere. Their 2013 rebrand, which gave us their current look, was much needed and did wonders to the brand. The shade of green is unique and owned by the team, the logo is simple and good, and the design of the jersey is simple and conservative, which works really well.

I don’t see how you could improve it much. If they add an alternate, I would love it if they used the pattern from this unused North Stars jersey on a black base.

Minnesota Wild

Not much

The Wild debuted in 2000 with an excellent logo and great colors to work with. After a brief departure to a red-centric home jersey in 2007 when Reebok took over, the Wild returned to green full time at home with their Adidas jerseys, and it’s a welcome change. They also have some symmetry between their home and road uniforms now, something they didn’t always have. It’s a good look overall, and there isn’t too much to change.

Nashville Predators

Add navy shoulders to both uniform sets

Nashville has taken ownership of gold as their main color. While that’s all well and good, they need a little more contrast and consistency on their uniforms to make it work. A simple way to do this is, make the shoulder yoke navy instead of yellow on the road and non-existent on the home. I don’t mind the way it looks now, but with the yellow helmets, it’s almost too much. A touch of contrast will go far for this brand that’s come a long way.

St. Louis Blues

Change the uniform numbers on the home jersey back to yellow

The Blues have had yellow numbers on their home uniform for the first 50 seasons, and white numbers for the most recent two. The Blues have won more Cups wearing white numbers than yellow. Winning does help the brand become more iconic, but so does time. The Blues have always had that yellow on blue numbering pattern that’s lasted so long and looked so good, it still looks kinda funny. That’s my only critique for the Blues. Those thirds look amazing.

Winnipeg Jets

Not much

Since their triumphant return to Winnipeg in 2011, the Jets have worn the same uniforms, and they look perfectly fine. Throw in a simple yet gorgeous third jersey and a throwback that’s perfect as a throwback, the Jets are all set. There isn’t a whole lot the set needs in the way of improvement, so just keeping it as is and letting it become a classic is a good way of strengthening the brand they’re trying to build as the new Jets.