NHL Reverse Retro Ideas for 2022-23: Central Divison

Before the start of last season, Adidas and the NHL came up with a brilliant idea for alternate uniforms.

The jersey program was simple. Allow each of the 31 teams to come up with creative designs that feature a mix of current and past uniforms that sums up a large portion of a franchise’s history.

Each team has had their own history with uniforms from logos to colors to striping and patterns. The potential was off the charts. When the jerseys were revealed to the public, the league’s idea had come to fruition in a positive manner, as many team’s uniforms were very appealing to fans.

While some of the uniforms were grand-slams, others were disappointing (I’m looking at you Detroit). The results were such a success that the NHL announced that the Reverse Retro program would be reinstated for the 2022-23.

With that information given out, let us dive deep into a unique idea for all eight teams in the Central Division. The eight teams in the Pacific and Atlantic Division are already done, so now let’s get started with part 3.

Arizona Coyotes- Tan or brick red-colored version of full-body coyote alternate

In 2021, The Coyotes returned to the first alternate design in franchise history. The “Desertscape” designed made a glorious comeback but sported purple as the main color instead of green in the original. For the latest wave of Reverse Retro, the team in the desert should bring back the last alternate they wore.

These full-body coyote uniforms were released for the 2008-2009 season and lasted until the 2013-14 season. When the franchise changed it’s moniker from Phoenix to the Arizona Coyotes for the 2014-15 season, these were scrapped. Since then they have never been seen again.

This is another uniform that has been criticized a lot over the years for being “ugly”. However, I don’t see anything wrong with the design at all.  I’ve personally always enjoyed the look and the full-body portrait was something that really hasn’t been seen too much for teams with animal names.

Considering the fact that there really aren’t many other options to go with besides this jersey made the decision easier. It would be nice to see this make a comeback after being dormant for almost a decade.

Arizona has never worn a jersey that is primarily tan, so this could be an opportunity to jump on that. Also switching to the brick red as the primary color also would be a good choice in mixing this design up.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they were to also bring back this design using some of the colors on the original Kachina logo. Similar to how they chose the purple from that logo and make it the primary color on the 2021 Reverse Retro alternate.

Another cool choice that could happen is to use the Arizona State Sun Devils colors of maroon and gold since they will be moving into their hockey arena for the next few years, for better or for worse. However, I would still like to see this design make a return with a basic color swap of black to either tan or brick red.