Every NHL Team’s Best Jerseys

Alex Mandarino - COUCH POTATO SPORTS

There’s been an underlying debate that’s hummed its way through rule changes, team captaincy’s, franchise turnovers, and the greats of the game within the NHL and hockey altogether. One that transcends the discussion of the best team in the league, but all the same one that can only be carried on by hockey fans. A debate so profoundly unnecessary and trivial that it practically defines what sports are meant to achieve: entertainment and battles. The age-old question – do you call it a hockey sweater or jersey?

The NHL on NBC Sports Twitter account tweeted out this question to its audience, so the waters got a little choppy, and rightfully so! For a sport synonymous with cold weather and the ability, and sometimes preference, to play outdoors, the term ‘sweater’ was commonplace at the birth of the NHL. Professional or amateur, players on Canadian ponds could be seen pulling on sweaters to keep warm, and thus hockey sweaters were the only option for what the players wore above their torso.

As the NHL experimented with lighter fibers and material that allowed for more mobility and breathability, the term ‘jersey’ started to sprinkle its way throughout fan's vocabulary. After all, the NFL and NBA were already calling them jerseys, and the new fabrics did resemble a similar look. I’d have to say that in this day and age, the common term to describe the shirt material with the team crest on it is jersey. With that said, I can be a traditionalist in a sense, and I think a hockey sweater is a term that defines this sport against all others, and uniqueness in sport should be embraced.

Regardless of what you call it, there has been a myriad of NHL uniforms displayed throughout each season since hockey’s inception. Some are light-years better than others, and some remain infamous to the very core of the word (here’s looking at you Islanders Fishermen jersey of 95’). In the paragraphs ahead, I rank each current NHL teams all-time best-worn jersey, since it first hit the ice.

For clarity sake, any former NHL team is not included. Any teams before relocation have not been included (sorry Nordiques fans). I did include the availability of rebooted NHL teams, as some of the Senators and Jets uniforms of the past weighed heavily on my decisions. What follows is a few short takes on the uniform landscape of the NHL as a whole. Now, let’s get after i

Anaheim Ducks

Say what you want about the ownership tactics and management of The Walt Disney Company throughout the Ducks history, but tacky as they may look, the Jade and Eggplant uniforms will hold a special place in my heart. These were sported right from the jump during the Mighty Ducks inaugural season in 1993 and must have made a splash, considering the jersey itself was not altered in the slightest until the selling of the team to the Samueli’s in 2005. When I think Paul Kariya, I think all black Bauer skates and Eggplant jerseys with a strong white C.

Arizona Coyotes

Now, these 1996 original Kachina jerseys just scream Phoenix…..yes PHOENIX. The evergreen and desert brown compliment the black base extremely well, and maintain a low level of complexity that sits just beneath overdoing it. Call me crazy, but I’ve always been a fan of the hockey-playing coyote logo over the current howling coyote head rendition. It’s been a blessing seeing the Adidas styled replica black variation of these jerseys displayed as alternates for the team since 2018.

Boston Bruins

Here is where it starts to get difficult. How can you pinpoint one front-runner jersey with such a storied history with rarely any adjustment in uniform colors? Well, there are 5 more where this came from, and you have to start somewhere. After a brief year hiatus, the NHL re-instates the third jersey program in 2008, and the Bruins take advantage by introducing these all-black alternates with a logo featuring an actual bear for the first time since opening their history in brown uniforms in 1924. These third jerseys stuck around until 2016, and for good reason. This jersey was matched with black socks, marking the first time Boston has ever worn black-based socks since it’s debut.

Buffalo Sabres

Go with your instinct, and end it! That should be the theme for Buffalo’s parade of jerseys since debuting in1970. This is the same year that their most iconic and snazzy jerseys were displayed as well. The NHL mandated that all teams add nameplates to the back of their team's jerseys, and the Crayola blue with the classic Sabres logo and yellow lettering and numbering on the back was eye-catching. It was simple and proud. I’m sensing a theme here…maybe teams should stick to their original designs and coast along. Remember in ’96 when they pulled a 180 and debuted a debacle of the black, red, and white design? As a Danny Briere fan, it’s hard to pass on that memory.

Calgary Flames

I have to say, the NHL always seems to pay homage accurately and respectfully to past year’s successes and tributes. The Calgary Flames are no different, sporting these 30th-anniversary flame-red retro jerseys 5 times in 2009-2010, albeit in premature fashion due to the 2004-2005 lockout year of their first and only Stanley Cup win. Get rid of the black, and these puppies spark! The tinge of yellow blends in really well and these were popular enough to return as the official third jersey of the Flames the following season.

Carolina Hurricanes

A rare occasion in this list, I opt for a road white for the pinnacle of a team's most iconic uniform. I wouldn’t exactly describe any single Hurricanes jersey as ‘iconic’, although the colour scheme that Carolina uses has the potential to produce quality sweaters. I’ve never been wowed by any of the final products, however, I have a soft spot in my heart for diagonal lettering as the crest of jerseys (as you may encounter again in the next few paragraphs). The white with red looks classy, and I am all in favour of swapping out the dreadful ‘eye-of-the-storm logo for a bold “Canes” on these 2019 road white sweaters.

Chicago Blackhawks

I’m bound to upset some Blackhawks fans, but I will always revert to simplicity over complexity or overcomplicating. Chicago has diversified it’s jersey selection by mixing all sorts of colour shades with their black, tomato orange and white since 1926. The crispest, most tantalizing choice of them all has to be the red road jerseys of 1996. The vibrant red is made more striking with minimal black and white design. The reason I selected the 1996-99 above all else, is the tan outline of the logo head, which I think adds a nice layer to the overall look.

Colorado Avalanche

Can you imagine if I went with the 2020 stadium series jerseys? The Avalanche has kept a very unique and potent color scheme since adopting the Quebec Nordiques franchise in 1995, and haven’t experimented much since the burgundy and dim blue implementation. There have been some inspiring spots, however, like this alternate jersey introduction in 2009; styled mainly blue with a touch of burgundy on the shoulders and sleeves. It’s a classy look, and did anyone notice the Colorado lettering diagonally down the front? Although the Avalanche logo is an instant classic, these are quite slick.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus is a relatively new franchise, and therefore there isn’t much variation to choose from. My decision was made easier by there being a fairly uncontested winner for best jersey by the majority of hockey fans. The navy blue, bright red collection of the Blue Jackets has never meshed well, and no jersey supplier deal has proven that it can. Their third jerseys, however, introduced in 2010 ditch the red for a baby blue and cream, making for a gorgeous spectacle as the team hits the ice. I vote this be upgraded to official home tarps, I wouldn’t mind Merzlikins flashing the leather in these more often.

Dallas Stars

I’m going to go out on a limb here and suggest that hockey needs more green! Two teams are too little, we need a new splash (here’s looking at you Seattle). With that said, the best Stars jersey in history involves the least possible green. The 1995 away black, white, and green gem has slight alterations from the original away jerseys from 1993. The numbers on the back of the jersey are white, and the white lines wrapping around the waists and arms are thicker. These are bold looks, and the subtle emerald ties this look all together. The new Dallas green earns my respect, but I can’t pass up on these bad boys.

Detroit Red Wings

Some may say there aren’t many options to decipher from for a team with only 2 base colours. Those people would be wrong. Detroit has altered their patented red and white quite often, and in a rare declaration of love for the old home jerseys, this gorgeous Red Wings home jersey debuting in 1984 screams Hockey City. The one distinct adjustment from past years is the logo pigmentation and colouring. The red and white in the logo was finally reversed from the past 15 years – this rendition got it right on the mark. The white with red sleeves look is a staple in Red Wings culture, and who better to rock it here then-current GM Steve Yzerman.

Edmonton Oilers

Although a recent rebrand in 2017 solidified the orange-based jerseys as the Oilers home choice, nothing will ever compare to the fresh-out-of-the-WHA blue and orange combo. Picture The Great One, now what is he rocking? True blue and orange shoulder lining, that’s what. The blue is the biggest distinguisher, with the Oilers seemingly flirting with the entire spectrum when they struck pay dirt on their first try. A rich early winning history followed in a more vibrant blue, but maybe they would’ve added a 5th of 6th cup if they trusted the minds that changed their crest logo from orange to blue from the WHA.

Florida Panthers

Sometimes the subtlest changes make all the difference. The 1998 Panthers were still a fairly new team, and a small adjustment in their road jerseys truly made them pop. First off, the red base is darkened just a smidgen, and somehow it makes red, yellow, and blue a great combo. The nameplates on the back of the jerseys are now arched, and for that reason, the 1998-2003 Panthers hit the ice looking the more stylish than they ever have. Got to give credit to the logo guy as well, this one hits home.

Los Angeles Kings

Have you ever found yourself cheering for the villain team in a sports movie? This is probably a subconscious reaction to how good they look. And what are they normally wearing? Black. The 1992 Kings away jerseys are one of my all-time favourites across all of sports. The subtle flash of silver in the logo and armbands give it a sharp, metallic look, and the contrast on the white ice is explosive. The big adjustment from 1990 was changing the nameplate from silver to white, which allows for easier reading and a better overall aesthetic. Man, Gretzky wasn’t just good, every jersey he wore made him look even better!

Minnesota Wild

Similar to its expansion partner the Columbus Blue Jackets, this choice was easy. Also similar to the Jackets choice, the decision was a result of simplicity and removing clashing colours. The alternate jerseys introduced by the Wild in 2009 bear a very similar resemblance to the uniforms worn at the 2004 all-star game in St. Paul, Minnesota. The forest green meshes extremely well with the addition of cream lining, and only a dash of red is needed. More green, I say! This is a clean look, and I’m surprised it was done away within 2019. Side note: close your eyes, is Mikko Koivu wearing anything other than green?

Montreal Canadiens

Ahh, Les Habitants! Despite the same colour palette since the team’s inauguration in 1917, every so often a slight adjustment would add a different flare to the red, white, and blue classic look. The winner has to be the 1941 red away jerseys, sported here. The white strings are first added to the neck of the jersey, and the logo and numbers are outlined in blue, deeming it easier to make out. Plus, although I love nameplates, something about the Habs uniform draws a more distinguished presence sans name on the back. I mean, look at the Yankees and Red Sox! I wouldn’t mind this tradition rooting back for a few games next season.

Nashville Predators

If you ask me my top NHL arenas to visit before I die, Bridgestone Arena, home of the Preds, is near the top of the list. If you ask me to rank NHL team jerseys, you might get a different response. Since Nashville’s inauguration in 1998, the collaboration of navy blue, mustard yellow, and silver has just not worked, despite the efforts from the team to adapt it properly. Although I will give credit where credit is due: progressive and bold jump to an all gold home uniform in 2011 injected some pizzazz into their look. This was the first gold jersey since Boston in 1966. All this said the creative blue and yellow banner boasted on the white Winter Classic jerseys in 2020 takes the cake for me here. It’s clean, with the perfect amount of gold to shine.

New Jersey Devils

This is so easy I could almost let the crowd decide. The Devils have only ever made one major change to their sweaters, coming in the form of stripping the green lining for black in 1992, essentially rendering it a safe adjustment. Kind of like their defensive style of play that so eloquently defined the franchise. Maybe the green-white-and-red look did provide too close comparison with Christmas, but don’t we all love Christmas?? Nevertheless, the home white jerseys with the green and red trim debuted in 1982 as hockey first arrived in New Jersey, and they are timeless. Side note: The Devils logo has to be one of the more creative in the league.

New York Islanders

When in doubt, go with the team with 4 championships. From 1978-1984, the Islanders sported a true blue away jersey with orange and white trim and sleeve bands. The year before the 1978 season, the white in the armbands were removed, which is why I prefer this more fluid look. Nameplates were also added to the uniforms in 1977, not that you had much trouble identifying which guy on the ice was Mike Bossy. This is arguably the true Islander's jersey, and it is a coincidence that the best look came with it a dynasty. I’m going on record to say that did not even attempt to drag the debacle of a uniform switch in the 90’s influence any decision. However, I will also add this: I LIKE the Fisherman logo. There, I said it!

New York Rangers

If I close my eyes and try to picture the first iconic hockey pictures that come to mind, the first would be Bobby Orr soaring through the air after his overtime winner in 1970. The second is Mark Messier hoisting the cup as captain of the Rangers in ’94. It’s not clear why, maybe because they were champions the year I was born, or maybe it’s the famous Ranger’s white. My fandom for diagonal lettering stems from the Rangers utilizing it on their jerseys 90 out of their 94 years of existence. The subtle difference from other New York jerseys is the arched nameplates on the back. These date until the present jerseys and make for a more distinguished look.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators returned with vengeance in 1992 after a 58-year absence from the NHL, sporting the same colour scheme of their predecessor. This time, their uniforms were more refined, and although the red, white, and black stripes from the 1920s will be missed, this looks is bolder and more refined. Ottawa nails the black and red in ’93 after removing the white on the sleeves, easing the eyes and making it more obvious to notice that it was Alexei Yashin who fired it top corner. The sideways looking centurion was also introduced, which was met with approval at this time, but seems to be running stale in more recent circles. Is it time to bring back the “O” for good?

Philadelphia Flyers

Orange as a base colour for a hockey team? If it was any other city, I think we’d cringe. But Philly embodies orange: loud, vibrant, powerful, this team has stampeded its way through the past 50 years and housed some prominent names. This fella here was a great representation of Philly, and the 1984 orange road jersey he sports here is a staple in Flyer’s history. The Flyer’s “P” logo with wings has remained unchanged since the team's inauguration in 1967, and quite frankly if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The white neck and sleeves offer a strong contrast to the bold orange, and the logo sits well on the front. An underrated gem.

Pittsburgh Penguins

It’s hard to believe that the Penguins colour scheme for the first 13 years of their history was baby and dark blue. These are unique shades, but Steel town was always meant to stay black and yellow, credit to Wiz Khalifa. The Pens rebranded their team to black and yellow to match their other two professional sports team, the Pirates and Steelers, both of whom won championships in their respective sports in 1979. Early in Super Mario Lemieux’s illustrious career, the black Pittsburgh away jerseys were crisp, with straightened yellow sleeves and single trim yellow nameplates. There will always be love for the Robo-Penguin, but the skating penguin will always be number one.

St. Louis Blues

Old is always better. This is indeed true in the case of the St. Louis Blues uniform collection. The early years of the Blues franchise saw some dynamic and premium aesthetics. The cream of the crop has to be from 1977, the road all blue jerseys with the yellow sleeves and bottom trim. This screams classic and comes a year before a yellow shoulder yoke is added to these beauties. Although there are some favorites amongst St. Louis’ collection (i.e. when red was introduced into the scheme in 1995), I think this late 70’s look encompasses the blue-collar, hard-working nature of Eastern Missouri.

San Jose Sharks

I think what first enamoured me enough to become a true Sharks fan was their teal colour scheme. About a year after I started following the Sharks, they traded for Joe Thornton. Easy sell, case closed. San Jose has had some serious hits, and some equally serious misses when it comes to jerseys. Their initial re-introduction of teal into the NHL in 1991 with silver trim was very eye-catching, but 6 years later they introduced an alternate jersey that didn’t quite catch. I’ve mentioned my affection for all-black jerseys, and in 2018 when the Sharks introduced their Stealth black alternate jerseys, I knew I had a favorite all-time jersey. The subtle hint of teal in the logo and sleeves are gorgeous, not to mention it is dark enough to define a thick Thornton beard. Please bring that back, Joe.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning have maintained themselves as a consistently above-average performing team. This goes both for their performance, and their taste in tarps. For once, my preference for darker tones takes a backseat, as the most recent home jerseys unveiled in 2018 are the most captivating. A strong, simple logo, and a similar look to the next team down the list with a hint of silver. The jerseys make the team look slick and quick, mirroring the style of play. This style may not solicit any nostalgia of Lecavalier or St. Louis or Andreychuk hoisting the cup in 2004 in black and blue, but it dawns the wave of the new age Bolts, poised to race for the Cup for the foreseeable future.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Let’s narrow down the options for the Blue & White bit by bit. Anything other than blue and white is almost sacrilegious. Most Leafs fans agree that the more traditional looking logo is more iconic. Now how do you add a subtle flair while keeping the Buds true to the roots of the Canadian hockey heritage? You design the 2014 Winter Classic jerseys. The white shoulder yoke and the rings around the sleeves bring with it a dynamic look for a two-toned jersey. A close second were the away jerseys worn throughout the Vaive era of the ’80s, but these Winter Classics’ are still a crowd favorite and host a wealth of good memories (there isn’t much to go on recently for Leafs fans).

Vancouver Canucks

Happy 50th anniversary! Now re-introduce these same designs, and your year is complete. The Canuck's promotions and events team deserve way more recognition than they have received, as they hosted a wealth of theme nights through their 50th NHL season, showcasing jerseys from past years, honoring past players, and teams, and celebrating the history. I barely had to do research! The blue away jerseys of 1972 are a clear favorite. Vancouver has experimented with uniform design more than almost every team in the NHL, but they hit the mark early on. The stick-in-the-rink logo is so simple that it’s elegant, and the blue with green trim is spectacular. This has such a clean look to it, and I’m glad that at least a version of this look has been injected into the current team’s design.

Vegas Golden Knights

Although there aren’t a slew of options to sift through, it’s worthwhile discussing the intricacies of the Golden Knights home grey jerseys. Vegas’ owner Bill Foley wanted to name the team after his alma mater, United States Military Academy, deeming the team the Black Knights. This caused trademarking issues with the school. Dropping the word black would have created the same issues with London’s OHL team. It was settled, Golden Knights. Great decision, as the gold trim and addition to the team logo, is fresh and slick. The dark grey base is unique in itself and was so well done that I’ve often spoken with Vegas apparel owners who have no stock in the team whatsoever.

Washington Capitals

It only makes sense that the team representing the countries capital wears red, white, and blue, right? Something about the bold white lettering and the blue stick used to complete the ‘T’ on the crest is astutely patriotic. The 1987 away red jerseys combine all the best parts of the former Caps jerseys, including 5 stars on the sleeves, the trim surrounding the nameplates, and you can’t tell me that red helmet doesn’t complete the look. Watching Ovechkin in his kitchen in an updated version of these jerseys never gets old.

Winnipeg Jets

There is a lot of blue and red in the NHL isn’t there? Somehow, the Jets pulled off one of the most elegant combinations of these 2 colours by throwing an element of white as the main trim and designing one of the most well-known, albeit defunct logos of NHL’s past. This redesigned jersey of 1990 replaces the initial jerseys of 1979 from the WHA, which bore very a similar resemblance to those of the New York Rangers of the same year. Both team jerseys were designed by John Ferguson, the owner of both squads at the time. The team relocated to Arizona in 1996 but was brought back in 2011 from the relocation of Atlanta, although they have yet to find their groove uniform-wise.

So what have we learned? Well, if one thing is certain, it’s that the NHL needs more green, and some logos and crests could use an injection of excitement if the time is right. Depending on the name of the new Seattle 32’s (please be Kraken), we could see a bit of spice mixed into the league that has seen a great influx of enthusiasm since it’s latest expansion team waltzed in a few years back. All that aside, no matter what sweater is pulled over an entry-level draft pick’s head, home or away, I’m sure they’d be proud all the same to begin their journey in the greatest league in the world.