NHL Jerseys: A Legacy of Style and Identity
In the NHL, jerseys transcend mere uniforms, embodying a team’s legacy, history, and pride. A recent survey by The Athletic challenged its staff to identify the best and worst jerseys from every NHL franchise. Teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks all have shirts that have stood the test of time, while also being guilty of some forgettable designs.
For the Ducks, the best jersey is the iconic eggplant and jade worn from 1993 to 2006, a beloved staple that fans still cherish. In contrast, their white road jerseys from 2014-24 faced harsh criticism for being overly complicated. Similarly, the Boston Bruins were praised for their 2021 Reverse Retro jersey but mocked for their “Pooh Bear” alternate from 1995-2006.
The Buffalo Sabres took a nostalgic turn by bringing back their original royal blue, while their yellow alternate from 2013-15 was dubbed the “turd burger” by former president Ted Black for its poor reception. The Calgary Flames also showcased a blend of classic and modern with their current iterations, though their 2011 Heritage Classic uniforms fell flat.
Teams have varying perspectives on their identifiers. The Montreal Canadiens asked for little change to their classic look, while the New Jersey Devils found success with their sleek “Jersey” alternate jerseys. Conversely, the Ottawa Senators faced backlash for their 2008-11 alternate, which had a loud "SENS" emblazoned across it.
At the end of the day, these jerseys encapsulate not just styles but also stories and sentiments. Fans are encouraged to engage and share their favorite and least favorite designs as team identities evolve and adapt over the years.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
