I believe it was during the 1990’s to boost merchandise sales that the NHL introduced 3rd jerseys. Ever since then, we’ve been treated to some of the greatest hockey uniforms in history, but also some of the worst. This offseason a few teams decided to spice things up around their arenas by adding new unis to their lineups. Was this the greatest offseason for uniform changes we’ve ever had? No, but I do feel that this new lineup of hockey sweaters is worth putting through a grading scale.

Vancouver Canucks: Blue

            The blue-green color combo always looks nice. However, these are just too similar to what they already have. There’s not much to say about them because they are just too plain. Even the logo is plain. I get that it’s a vintage style logo but it just seems unnecessary to even use these. Grade: C-

Vancouver Canucks: Black

            Everything I said about the previous Blue jerseys, don’t apply that here. These are throwbacks done properly. The yellow and red on black just pops. I judge a lot of these uniforms by how they look on tv as well, because after all, that’s the place where most of us ever get to see them in action. Obviously, many of these jerseys have not been seen on tv before because they’re brand new. These are vintage sweaters and we already know they’ll look great (see game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final). The logo is such a classic too. It took me until I was about 19 years old before I realized that there is a skate hidden in there. Grade: A

Buffalo Sabres: White

            Buffalo has probably one of the most dramatic jersey histories in all of the NHL. They’ve gone from blue and yellow, to red and black, to an amphibious slug-creature, to navy and yellow. Now, they’ve added thirds with navy blue and gold. The jerseys themselves aren’t terrible. They look too similar to Notre Dame for my taste. I just feel like if they had gone with one of their iconic past looks or colors they would have been just fine. But, instead they have chosen a different direction. I’m guessing the gold is for their 50th season. The biggest problem I have with these is the white gloves. I hate white gloves. They don’t look good and I think they should never be allowed at the NHL level (Ahem…. Golden Knights…) It just looks like roller hockey or something. With all of the other options they could’ve gone with, I just don’t think this was the right play for the Sabres. Grade: B- (because Joe Hollub is a psychopath about the Sabres….)

Carolina Hurricanes: White (Road Unis)

            Carolina is a team with a long jersey history in a short amount of time. They seem to change unis every 3 seasons. Just to be clear: I’m ok with this. I like the small market teams shaking things up every few years to keep it interesting. Teams like Detroit, Toronto, or Montreal for examples, shouldn’t. And they don’t. Tradition is wonderful when you’ve been around for 100+ years and have won multiple Stanley Cups. Carolina doesn’t have that so I’m all in on this new road look. These are simple, yet detailed. I love the Hurricane flag squares (I guess that’s what they’re called…?) around the bottom. It gives them a nice sense of identity. Also, the 3D logos on the helmet is a great touch too. I bet several more teams will take note of this and follow suit in the future. The diagonal lettering across the chest is very reminiscent of a particular team from New York that is very highly regarded among this blogger and his podcast group. The unis are a breathe of fresh air to an organization that is on the upswing. Who knows, maybe they’ll make it to a conference final and not get swept this year? Grade: B+

Edmonton Oilers: Navy Blue

            These look ripped off directly from the Chicago Bears. The Oilers have struggled in the standings in the last few years and I think they need more than just alternate unis. But, this is a start. Sometimes something as small as this can give your players a boost to actually play better. Do I have any evidence to support this or examples? No, but it sounds kind of true, right? I also have to factor in that Connor McDavid will be buzzing around in these sweaters and that automatically gives them a boost. Grade C+

Calgary Flames: White (Heritage Classic)

            This is it, chief. I love these. The MacDonald’s unis are some of the most iconic, classic, and downright nicest jerseys in NHL history. Why can’t the Flames just wear these on the road and the reds at home full-time? They just look so fresh and they look great on tv as well. As of right now, the whites are here for only the Heritage Classic this season, but Calgary would be crazy not to bring these back as their full-time roads. Grade A+

Winnipeg Jets: Blue (Heritage Classic)

            Well, this is going to be one sexy heritage classic. These are very easy on the eyes and they’re going to pop when 20 Jets walk outside to play a game outdoors. The sun shining on these is definitely going to something to watch. There really isn’t much to say other than how great these sweaters look. Grade A+

St. Louis Blues: Blue/Red/Yellow

Since St Louis. decided to drop these bad boys about 2 hours after I wrote this article, I figured I’d go back and update it. (Other teams will probably come out with more 3rds and different unis, but those will go onto a separate post). I had to for sweaters that The Great One wore back in the 90’s. These are a perfect reward for a team coming off of a Cup Championship. They have so much color and style to them without looking too over-the-top. The colors also translate well on tv, as we saw in the 90’s. I can’t wait to see them in action, hopefully against a classic St. Louis rival, like Detroit or Chicago. Grade A-

Written by Andrew Silvers

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