Simple, clean, and classy are just some of the words that epitomise the Detroit Red Wings legendary jerseys, and their special edition jerseys over the years haven't disappointed either. A staple of the NHL, and a classic crest and jersey that can, and will never be changed, but here are my rankings of the team's last five special edition jerseys.
5. 2022 Reverse Retro
Who wore it best: Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond
The 2022 season was one of the many bleak seasons so far in the 2020s for Detroit, and their reverse retro statement jerseys in 2022 really didn't make that year anymore exciting. The Red Wings are one of those teams, a legendary team, a team who represent the NHL and its history, and taking away the famous winged wheel logo for text was not a good look. As far as reverse retro ideas, there are hundreds of different routes they could've gone, but the black pinstripe across the middle, with nothing but text was a poor effort.
Detroit have always been a team who put out some serious jerseys, however this one in particular is probably easily forgettable. Nothing major happened during the season, the jersey itself didn't catch many eyes, and it just wasn't the right representation for a team like Detroit. Sure, it was a minimalistic take on their usual jersey designs, however for me, the 2022 reverse retro jersey wasn't one to run to the store for.
Barber pole is back! 💈
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 20, 2022
Introducing our @adidas Reverse Retro 2022! Available 11.15. #reverseretro#LGRW x @adidashockey pic.twitter.com/TucL38JPUH
4. 2017 Centennial
Who wore it best: Niklas Kronwall, Andreas Athanasiou
Despite only being worn for one day during an outdoor game against Toronto, the jersey did have some flair, a subtle take on their classic away jersey, but just had that something slick about it. In yet another season that Red Wings fans probably want to forget, this jersey which was specially designed for the 100th anniversary of the NHL, and had some nice details which took the attention away from their terrible season.
The silver outlines on the number and nameplates added that something special, and almost luxury to the classic white and red jersey, and the silver accents across the middle of the jersey gave it that classic, original six representative look, fitting for a royal team like the Red Wings. Red Wings legends like Niklas Kronwall, and Henrik Zetterberg repped this jersey in the sole game they played in the jersey, and as far as special edition jersey go, this one was subtle, but the right amount of class for a team of the Red Wings stature.
3. 2025 Stadium Series
Who wore it best: Patrick Kane, Dylan Larkin
Starting off the top three in style has to be one of the more recent special edition jerseys, and one in which provided arguably one of the best helmet designs in NHL history. The design for their 2025 Stadium series matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets made headlines for its sleek design, and old school look. Unlike the 2022 reverse retro jerseys, the old school. 'motor town' esq font of the 'Detroit' on the face of the jersey popped, and the small 'Hockeytown' accents on the pants really gave a cool and subtle remark to the teams history.
The helmet itself, winged with the legendary and iconic wings of the famous wheel, poking out of the sides of the helmet really gave a classy and cool look, making the jersey designs 10 times better. The classic red and white, with the hockeytown remarks, along with all the small automobile history details across the jersey, details like the red filled nameplate, and the stadium series patches made this jersey one of their best in recent history, and one to remember for Red Wings fans.
2. 2016 Stadium Series
Who wore it best: Brad Richards, Pavel Datsyuk
Making its way into second place has to be their 2016 Stadium series jersey. There is just something about the single letter logo which makes a jersey ten times better. We see it with the Bruins jerseys, and the Red Wings smashed it on their attempt. The big diagonal white stripe makes the jersey pop, and gave it a big twist compared to their regular jerseys, and the large numbers on the sleeves were loud enough to make a statement.
While not being overly simplistic, and not overly complicated, the Dickensian crossed with winged font of the single lettered logo makes the jersey so unique and special, and that massive Brad Richards game winner gives it so much history. Red Wings greats like Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Niklas Kronwall all laced up wearing this jersey, however ultimately it is the moments which make this jersey what it is.
1. 2025 Centennial
Who wore it best: Dylan Larkin
There was no better way for the Detroit Red Wings to represent their centennial season than making a jersey fit for such an occassion. Immaculate classic red tones, with creamy, off-white tones on the jersey, and to top it off, a vintage, retro, leather captaincy patch. The big famous logo with vintage, worn type details made to perfection, the cream pinstriped on the bottom, and the all red finish is the perfect recipe for a legendary Red Wings jersey. We have seen what the Blackhawks have done for their centennial jersey, and the Red Wings have only gone and sent a clear message that this is how you represent a legendary original six franchise.
Again, the 'Hockeytown' details within the back tab, the leather captaincy patches for all in leadership roles, and the logos synthesised to be worn through time, but simple and authentic. The jersey is perfect, and the colour pallette is second to none. The small detailing on the shoulders, within the inner of the jersey, and across the frame of the jersey as a whole, their 2025 centennial jersey is the one to beat, and one that didn't disappoint, hopefully destined to bring the Red Wings some luck.