From legends to laughs, every NHL team's best and worst jersey moments, from Connor Bedard to Alex Ovechkin
Every team has that one jersey, the one that sticks in memory, sells out in stores, and becomes part of hockey lore. The Anaheim Ducks' original 1993–2006 'Mighty Ducks' eggplant and jade combo was bold, playful, and became a cult classic.
Similarly, the Boston Bruins' 2021 Reverse Retro, with its striking gold and black design, perfectly fused heritage with flair.
Connor Bedard, the Chicago Blackhawks' new face of the franchise, looked every bit the modern legend in the team's 2019 Winter Classic kit. With its throwback black-and-white stripes, it felt like a nod to history made new again. The Colorado Avalanche's 1997–2000 jersey, complete with the iconic Yeti foot on the shoulder, stood out during the team's Stanley Cup climb, with Nathan MacKinnon channeling vintage greatness.
The Seattle Kraken, still young but visually ambitious, made waves in their 2024 Winter Classic look a striking nod to the city's Metropolitans roots. Not to be outdone, the Vegas Golden Knights lit up the rink literally with glow-in-the-dark numbers in their 2022–23 Reverse Retro jersey.
Mighty Ducks: Once Upon A Time In Anaheim | E60
Fashion faux pas, the worst
NHL jerseys
we wish we could forget
Not all jersey experiments go well. Just ask Alex Ovechkin, who wore the 2015 Winter Classic maroon fauxback for the Washington Capitals a design more dull than nostalgic.
The Buffalo Sabres' 2013–15 alternate yellow jersey became infamous as the 'turd burger' no explanation needed. Even the mighty Bruins fumbled with the 1995–06 'Pooh Bear' jersey, a cartoonish mess that still gets laughs.
Then there's the unforgettable Dallas Stars' 'Mooterus' (2003–06), an attempt at a cow-themed bull motif that failed both anatomically and aesthetically. And let's not forget the Vancouver Canucks' 1978–85 'Flying V,' an aggressive mustard-yellow ensemble that made players look like traffic signs on skates.
Retro renaissance, why fans love a throwback
There's something about retro that feels right. When the Carolina Hurricanes revived the Whalers' green and blue, it sent fans into a frenzy. The Colorado Avalanche, meanwhile, nailed their tribute to the Nordiques, complete with snowflake patterns. Even expansion teams like Seattle have adopted a historical approach, while modern rebrands, such as Florida's current look, have brought clarity and class back to the ice.
Ranking My ENTIRE Hockey Jersey Collection… (45+ NHL/IIHF Jerseys Ranked & NHL News Today 2023)
Jerseys that tell a story: a legacy stitched in fabric
The lesson? Nostalgia sells, but only when it's tied to a legacy. NHL jerseys are more than just uniforms. They become symbols of a franchise's identity, triumphs, and low points. The best ones celebrate tradition and individuality. The worst? They haunt team photos and meme pages.
FAQs
Why do NHL teams redesign their jerseys so often?
Teams update or redesign jerseys to reflect new branding, commemorate anniversaries, or generate fan interest through fresh merchandise.
What's the most popular NHL throwback jersey?
The Mighty Ducks' 1993–2006 jersey remains one of the most iconic, frequently reissued due to fan demand and nostalgia.
Which player is most associated with a memorable NHL jersey?
Players like Wayne Gretzky in Oilers blue or Connor Bedard in classic Blackhawks stripes often become synonymous with iconic designs.
Can bad jerseys affect merchandise sales?
Yes, poorly received designs can harm merchandise sales and lead to online backlash, which often prompts teams to revert to classics or make improvements quickly.
Whether it's Connor Bedard making headlines in stripes or a misstep like the Dallas Stars' ill-fated bull, jerseys leave a permanent mark on fans, players, and the game itself.
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