NHL Reverse Retro Ideas for 2022-23: Central Divison

Chicago Blackhawks- White version of 1920’s and 1930’s black uniform

During the 2021 Reverse Retro program, the Chicago Blackhawks came out with a modernized replica with the jersey they wore in 1940. It was the only jersey in the 2021 series that used a design the predated the Original Six era.

I believe that they should go down that route again. Historically, Chicago’s uniforms haven’t been all that appealing to me, but then again, I say the same for all of the Original Six teams. Although that’s the case, I’ve always loved the black incarnations they’ve brought out. That includes their 2019 Winter Classic jersey.

The 2019 Winter Classic jersey for the Blackhawks are actually modern re-releases from the black uniforms they wore from 1927-28 to 1933-34. I became a fan of these ever since I first saw the reveal before the 2019 Winter Classic and there is a good reason to be a fan of them. It’s a good, clean look that gives non-Chicago fans a somewhat breath of fresh air from the typical red they always sport.

However, even though I love the black version of these, I would really like to see the franchise do a basic color swap, making the jersey primarily white. There is a good chance we won’t see too many white Reverse Retro jerseys next year, as we saw in 2021, so this would be a perfect candidate to come out with one.

I know that if they were to come out with this design in white, it would be a day one buy for me. It would also be the first time that Chicago would wear a white alternate jersey for an entire season in team history. That obviously excludes the Stadium Series 2016 look and the 2015 and 2017 Winter Classic editions.

Colorado Avalanche- Original 90’s jersey with Quebec Nordiques twist

The Colorado Avalanche hit it out the park a few years ago with their Reverse Retro uniform. They went back to their roots as the Quebec Nordiques for the first time in 2021. They wore Quebec’s uniform but Colorado inserted their own color scheme of burgundy and blue on a primarily white background.

It was a beautiful sight and it was amazing to actually see them don the looks of a franchise that no longer exists but that still left a huge mark in NHL history. By far it was one of the more popular Reverse Retro jerseys and an argument could be made that it was the best amongst the 31 teams.

Now it’s time for Colorado to go back to one of their own jersey designs this time around. The Avs jersey history isn’t quite that extensive. They have worn a few alternates throughout the years but if we’re talking on what would be the best choice to go with, than they should reinstate their original jerseys(or is it their current one?) with the mountain striping.

It’s the look that the Avalanche are most known for. It’s a great jersey nonetheless. In my opinion they should just stick with this. However, in the same way they took a Nordiques jersey and swapped it out with their colors, they should take their own jersey and swap out the burgundy and blue for the distinct shades of red and blue that Quebec wore. I also think it would be cool if the Avalanche can also swap out their logo and replace it with the Nordiques one but I don’t think that would go too well with the fan base. A color swap would be great though.