Panthers Reworking Logo?
There's a question that's been nagging at me for a few weeks now. I want to see what the rest of you think. Are the Florida Panthers in the process of covertly adopting a new logo?
I noticed recently that the Panthers' official web site was redesigned to feature a legless panther logo in the banner. See the following graphic.
Panthers' official web site banner with altered logo
At first, I didn't think much of it. Maybe they were just cropping the legs off to improve the aesthetics of the logo in the banner. But this was more than just a simple crop. Special effort was made. The white fur on the panther's chest had been completely changed.
But then it started showing up all over the web site. Every page has its own custom banner with the altered panther logo.
The club's Twitter avatar even got the same treatment (left), but this time with an added text element. You can see a larger, more detailed version as the custom background on the page.
But that's not all. Like many teams, the Panthers have an official Facebook page for fans to join. It contains an image gallery that features two different logos. The new one I'm talking about (left) and the regular one with the broken stick — and text (right) can be seen below.
So is this just a simple alteration for web use? Or are the Panthers covertly launching a new logo this year? I don't have a solid answer for that just yet, but it seems the new symbol has made its way to an offline location.
A reader named Brett wrote in to say that he was watching a video about NHL 10 on IGN when he noticed this altered Florida logo and grabbed a screenshot (below).
NHL 10 screenshot via IGN.com
So clearly this new logo is being distributed for uses not related only to the web. Why is it being introduced? Why lose the big cat's legs? Why add a new text element to 15-year-old logo? Will it be replacing the full-body panther logo on the home and road jerseys? That, I very much doubt, but I honestly don't know.
Still, many questions and no answers. So that means everything that follows is guess work. The Panthers are one of a handful of teams expected to release a third jersey this year. Could this logo be meant for that? Perhaps this logo may never even make it onto a sweater. I really can't say.
If anyone reading knows anything about what's going on with this new Florida Panthers logo, I'd love to hear about it. Drop me a line and we'll keep everyone here up to speed.
In the meantime, sound off in the comments. Do you like "new" legless panther? Or do you prefer the leaping, text-free version?
Chris
Now that I've had a day to read through some of the many comments and emails I've received on this story, it's time for some clarifications.
First, some new information I didn't have before writing this post. As commenter Alex points out, Miami Herald writer George Richards claimed back in March to have gotten some inside information on the Florida Panthers' new third jersey, due this fall.
According to my source ([fellow writer/columnist] David J. Neal), the new jersey is fairly similar to the Wild's third jersey.
The main color is dark blue with light blue (no idea where that's coming from) on the sleeves, shoulders and bottom. Kind of looks like the Penguins.
The leaping cat logo is replaced on the front by a logo similar to the Wild. Florida on top; Panthers on bottom, the Panther head in the middle.
The Panthers say the jersey that was spotted today at Incredible Ice by David J. is not the final jersey and may just be some kind of prototype. That might explain the inclusion of the light blue. We still have to wait and see what the new jersey will look like, but this helps.
This description makes it all the more likely that the Panthers are testing the waters with an altered logo to be used on a new sweater. That's assuming it's true. As he says, we'll have to wait and see.
Now to reply to some comments. First, Johnny Griswold:
Do you think it's just a variation of their regular logo that they use for horizontal banners and graphics that they don't have a lot of depth to play with?
As I said, that was my initial assumption, the reason it took me weeks to write up this post. The problem is, they already have a logo similar to that, so why make a new modification?
Then Six Zero comments:
I'm surprised no one's commented on the fact that this logo isn't entirely new. The leg-less Panther is as old as the franchise, just hasn't been seen since perhaps their first two years in the league. I've even seen it without the stick.
What's most interesting is how it changes the imprint of the entire mark, meaning its shape and orientation. The leg-less logo is landscape, while the previous is more of a portrait orientation. It'll be interesting to see how different a jersey might look with a logo that is wider than it is tall.
Being a Floridian myself, I feel like I've managed to pay pretty close attention to what the Panthers have done over the years. This isn't the first time they've had a half-panther/half-text logo, obviously. But this one is different.
As you can see in a side-by-side comparison, the new one is holding a broken stick, while I don't recall the old version ever incorporating that element. The new logo also doesn't include the text enclosure and has some color variations. But mostly, that white fur on the chest has been modified to stand alone better.
Basically I'm curious as to their reasoning for reinventing the wheel. Perhaps it's as simple as easier separation of individual elements, as seen in the web site banner. In this new logo, the text is not inextricably tied to the logo.
Or maybe I'm just making something out of nothing. But while we're still on the topic, let's look at some other Panthers logos.
First, without the stick, then with the stick, then with two sticks. The first two have been largely interchangeable throughout the years. The stickless panther has commonly been seen on home and road sweaters while the cat with the broken stick has traditionally made an appearance on the third jersey.
The double-stick logo has been around since the franchise first came into existence. Notice it says "hockey club" at the bottom of the circle, for people who weren't sure. It's quite reminiscent of the Wild's home jersey crest, but I wouldn't expect to see it on a new alternate jersey for the Panthers. They'll almost certainly go with something new.
That nearly wraps this post up, but I do have a bit of concept art to share from Gary.
;)
His third jersey design is solely based on this new logo, and not on the earlier account of a potential leak. Still, it would bring a vintage look to the team for the first time. Though I think a lot of Panthers fans would appreciate the return of the classic red sweater. It went by the wayside (converted to a third jersey) even before the Age of Reebok.
Now what do you make of all that?
Reader Comments (38)
Maybe this logo will go on their third jersey? With a circle around it?
Thats what I've been hearing (the circle part) that they will adapt from Minnesota, St. Louis, etc.
Umm call me dumb but can't this be their third jersey logo? Maybe?
Oops I didn't read that first response LOL
Being a panthers fan I prefer the leaping panther, but I still like the legless one. Also I don't think that this new logo will be on a jersey.
Just noticed the youtube channel hasn't changed the logo yet:
http://www.youtube.com/user/FloridaPanthersVideo
The legless one is a huge improvement over the older one.
I have found the "no leg panther" logo here: http://www.fathead.com/nhl/florida-panthers/florida-panthers-logo/
Just click on "Free Extras" and you can see that.
Seems not as new as it like.
Sorry, this Florida Panther 3rd jersey thing has really gotten me interested, just one more comment.
Found this description here: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers...d-your-way.html
"According to my source (David J. Neal), the new jersey is fairly similar to the Wild's third jersey as seen at left.
The main color is dark blue with light blue (no idea where that's coming from) on the sleeves, shoulders and bottom. Kind of looks like the Penguins.
The leaping cat logo is replaced on the front by a logo similar to the Wild. Florida on top; Panthers on bottom, the Panther head in the middle."
In response to Sébastien's post.
The Florida Panthers fathead is fairly new... as in it was released sometime around the trade deadline/playoffs began. At the time I thought it was weird the panther had the stick (not on the jerseys) but I saw the stick was on the draft cap as well this year.
My vote goes for 3rd jersey logo. Makes the most sense. But at the same time I'm not sure why they'd use it in NHL 10 unless all teams at that screen have more of a wordmark logo...
Okay. Let me get this to you loud and clear: YUCK.
I think the legged Panther will be used on the third, and the new leg-less one will find it's way onto the home and away sweaters. I like the new altered version.
Do you think it's just a variation of their regular logo that they use for horizontal banners and graphics that they don't have a lot of depth to play with?
I think this is actually the best Panthers logo ever. Much better than the leaping panther, and infinitely better than the sun logo.
i like what i'm hearing about the potential Wild-style 3rd jersey (w/ just the panther head in the center), but i think this legless logo is extremely underwhelming. it works out decently with the wordmark beneath it, but it would look strange on a jersey and even worse as a jersey crest.
i was hoping that florida would introduce a true new logo for the 3rds. the current logo is very meh. comparing the mark to their NFL namesake-counterpart, the Carolina Panthers have a simple, bold, and recognizable logo. Florida's overly detailed and realistic approach just doesn't work in this regard, and looks like an amateur's attempt to create something intimidating. Sorry, but the weak foreshortening and broken hockey stick is so ... tired. Chopping off the poor logo's legs does not fix it either.
i think it's an improvement of the stupid foreshortened "HIYAH!" panther. but they should just take the panthers head, stylize it a bit more, and put it in a circle that says "florida" along the top edge and "panthers" along the bottom edge. simple, yet effective, no?
I personally think the Panthers logo is one of the best in the NHL as it, and see no reason to change it. Like the Avalanche logo, I don't really see any way you can improve upon it.
That being said, the cut-off version of it looks nice, but I can't see it on the front of a jersey. I can't explain why, but it'll just look weird to me because of the height/width ratio.
There are very few things in this organization that do not require any tinkering whatsoever… The logo is one of them… We have one of the coolest logos in all of sports, and there is simply no need to start monkeying around with it. Leave it alone.
The only change I’d like to see someday is the leaping panther holding the Stanley Cup between it’s paws…
One way to improve it would be to just make it say Winnipeg Jets.
There is no reason whatsoever to change or even mod the current logo. It is classic and therefore it should stay like it is. I'd be very very dissapointed if I see this new logo on a jersey next season.
I'm surprised no one's commented on the fact that this logo isn't entirely new. The leg-less Panther is as old as the franchise, just hasn't been seen since perhaps their first two years in the league. I've even seen it without the stick.
What's most interesting is how it changes the imprint of the entire mark, meaning its shape and orientation. The leg-less logo is landscape, while the previous is more of a portrait orientation. It'll be interesting to see how different a jersey might look with a logo that is wider than it is tall.
This could very well be one of the first significant "minor" logo design changes in the RBK Edge era. But it could also be on their third Jersey. Considering their previous lack of creativity in making thirds (oh hey, how bout we give the panther a broken stick to hold and put it on a jersey) this could very well appear on their third...would make more sense than the last one. But I like the idea that it could be their primary.
Personally, I think it would be a slight upgrade over their current logo. Hopefully this logo does become the primary. Just prey they don't put those word marks on it. Though the one on the Left is pretty sharp IMO. Let's just hope they don't copy Minnesota's jersey too much...repetition can be annoying if it is really obvious.
I think it would make a nice shoulder patch
p.s. love the new site design
I like the logo, and the new site design is PHENOMENAL.
Note on the new site design... I would suggest a different side panel other the light blue gradient as it does not lend itself to the link colours. But outside of that I really like the revamp.
Honestly, I'm getting tired of teams "ripping" off jersey designs from other teams. First it was solely the Wild's design, and then the Blues took it. As great a jersey the Blues' third is, it doesn't feel original, and now this with the Panthers.
Why can't teams ever do something new? Why do so many teams have to have third jerseys the same color as their primary (Kings, Bruins, Canucks, kinda Blues, and whatever the Stars and Leafs did)? The point of third jerseys are to try something "new" and radical (forgetting the Bruins' bear head and the "Moo-terus").
My all-time favorite third jersey was the Sabres' red jersey... with sabres. NO BUFFALO ANYWHERE! That was completely unforseen and new. That's what a third jersey should be. I think that any of us could come up with a third jersey for any of the other 12 teams that doesn't have one that would be significantly better than what they would come up with.
the legless panther isnt bad but they should have made a completely new logo.
Believe it or not, this was actually covered on the CC boards, way back in May. http://boards.sportslogos.net/index.php?showtopic=66831
For whatever reason, it really flew under the radar.
While the half panther / text is referred to as the "primary corporate mark" and the half panther / no text is referred to as a "secondary mark", it appears that the jersey mark will remain the full panther and the shoulder mark will continue to be the sticks / sun / palm tree logo,.
It looks like the panther is drowning. They should just go with red on the jersey.
Is it wrong that I'm more excited about the 'trading block' section for NHL10 than about the Panthers jersey? I've tried to watch/read everything out so far about NHL10 and this is the first I've seen of it. Awesome!
No, Josh, that's not wrong at all. I'm absolutely in love with what I've seen so far about NHL 10 from the EA Sports video, and this trading block option is one of the many incredible additions to the new game. Can't wait 'til mid-September... which of course is when we're all gonna start begging for the Alternate Jersey code leak.
I hope I'm not the only person who's bothered by the thumbs on the leaping panther-with-hockey-stick. Stylized logos, I can deal with -- like winged wheels, buffalo-slugs, and eagles with silhouettes removed from them. But if the panther is drawn realistically....shouldn't the anatomy be somewhat close?
Though the thumbs are bothersome, I will admit that, Weirdfish, overall, I really like the new logo. As long as they do something different with it (Gary's concept is fantastic, by the way), I think we've got a good shot at seeing one of the league's worst turn into one of the best.
Please get a red jersey back FLA! I do like these legless logo jerseys though
I'm sorry fellas, but I just can't bring myself to seeing a Panther on a hockey jersey.... at least in the nhl. It reminds me too much of something you'd see in the ahl and the minors.
I guess these warm-climate hockey teams are really getting to me!
I don't really like this new legless logo, I think it looks kind of odd and unappealing. Their new 3rd's should use the full body panther with the stick, or maybe a whole new logo that is a side profile of a full body panther, kind of like what the coyotes did last year. I think the panthers are long overdue for a logo like that. Also I think they should change their name lettering back to the way it was in the 90's. Back then the last names were arched across the back and it looked great. they used this style from '98 to '06, here is a link. This site has a complete history of NHL uniforms and my example is on there.
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/114920/Florida-Panthers-jersey.jpg
I think this is the new third
yes i do agree but i think that they should go with more of a barbie pink idea