Alternate Expectations
Wednesday · Jul 1 · 2009 | 10:46 PM PDTThe most important events of the off-season calendar are behind us. The Stanley Cup has been awarded. The prospects drafted. And now the biggest day of free agency is at an end with players like Mattias Ohlund, Nikolai Khabibulin, Marian Hossa, Dwayne Roloson and Marian Gaborik finding new teams.
Now more than three months away from the new season's debut in Europe, what does that leave us to look forward to this summer? New third jerseys, of course. I have to be honest and up front when I say that this post isn't so much about disseminating new information as it is creating a reference for what's to coming in the next several months.
Ever since the revival of Icethetics, I get emails every day from folks asking if a certain team will be getting a new third jersey this year. This post will contain all the information I have and any predictions or expectations I'm willing to share — presented alphabetically.
Calgary Flames. The days of the flaming horse head are clearly behind them, however that very design does indicate a willingness on the Flames' part to experiment with alternate logos. If you remember, last September I wrote about this very subject.
At that time, Flames president Ken King said the sweater design was being finalized and that there would be a departure from the Flaming C. What sort of a departure remains to be seen. He also hints that the jersey will be black, but that's no surprise considering the team already wears red and white.
King was confident fans will embrace the alternate look and I'm sure I speak for most of us here when I say I can't wait to find out.
Chicago Blackhawks. As previously reported, the 'Hawks have said their Winter Classic sweater will be used in games with roofs beginning in 2009-10 as it takes on the new role of third jersey — banishing the old black one.
For the first time, I will have absolutely nothing bad to say about a Blackhawks uniform. I'm sure many of you will appreciate that.
Colorado Avalanche. Icethetics last reported on a future Avs third jersey back in December when a Denver Post writer indicated the team's plans. The article didn't go into detail about the design, but rather expressed a hope that it would include some sort of Quebec connection. Not a bad idea now that the Avalanche are playing more like the Nordiques.
But I digress. I would expect to see a burgundy alternate much like what the Avs wore until the Age of Reebok. However, I'm not sure how well the diagonal text would work after the issues the Rangers had with the EDGE cut. And personally, I'd rather see Colorado go in a different direction. Pun.
Florida Panthers. We have little information on the Panthers, but they are expected to be one of a handful of teams to debut new thirds in the fall. I fully expect more of the same from the Cats. In other words, a red sweater with the logo that features a stick-biting panther.
If the Panthers were to try to exceed my expectations, they might try something completely different. Perhaps a new logo featuring the profile of a big cat on a red jersey with a unique design. But I think we all know not to set our goals too high.
Minnesota Wild. Green will make its glorious return! Gone for just a couple of seasons, it's my understanding that the Wild will use this opportunity to relaunch the green sweaters for their 10th anniversary season.
I imagine design will be much like the current road uniform. And despite that, I hope it doesn't overtake their red one anytime soon. Despite its ubiquitous color, it's got that classic hockey feel that we just don't get to see much of anymore.
Nashville Predators. The Preds officially announced plans to release a third sweater back in March during my leave of absence. So I'm telling you about it now. The article tells us that the old "mustard jersey" it describes as both "revered and reviled" will not be back. (Between us, I think they were playing it fast and loose with the definition of one of those words.)
Then Preds Business Ops President Ed Lang started speaking incoherently. "I don’t want to give too much away," he teases, "but ours will be kind of a mix between a traditional and a retro look." If anyone knows what that means, you know how to get in touch.
It's almost like he said it's going to be cobalt crossed with denim. Why don't we just call it "faded blue"? Speaking of which, that brings up an important question. If mustard is out, what color will this new sweater be? Grey can be done right if done carefully.
We're told to expect the debut of the new threads prior to Christmas. Hint, hint. You can even get one for free if you're willing to shell out for season tickets.
Those are the only teams who have talked officially about bringing third jerseys into the mix this year. I've said it before, but I'm really hoping the Rangers and Capitals get on board. We could use a blue Weagle sweater and Lady Liberty needs to be free again. But that's just my two cents.
However, you may recall the Detroit Red Wings recycled their Winter Classic jerseys for their final game last season against the Chicago Blackhawks. Icethetics reader Bill writes in wondering if this could be an indication from the club that they are in fact open to an alternate sweater.
I sure wouldn't mind seeing it on the ice more. The Wings have said nothing publicly about this so as always, we'll just have to play that wait-and-see game.
What's left? The New Jersey Devils, who have never worn a third jersey, the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets have announced no sweater-adding plans. The Montreal Canadiens still have a couple more 100th anniversary throwbacks to debut this season.
You are now up to date on what to expect in terms of third jerseys as we press on this summer. And of course, keep checking back for the latest news and updates.
By the way, if you haven't been by lately, check out NHLUniforms.com, which is now called the Hockey Uniform Database. It has recently been given a facelift and is cooler than ever.
Reader Comments (24)
Instead of coming up with a new third jersey, Nashville could spend their time more effectively by coming up with a new home sweater, away sweater, mascot, logo, and city to play in.
Lol @ Steve and bitching about stuff that was finished 2 years ago.
Preds will get a new logo, just greyscale/light blue.
Heres 2 threads with a lot of mock-ups.
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=643221
http://boards.nashvillepredators.com/index.php?showtopic=9351
I hate the Rangers, but Lady Liberty needs to return. Back when they had a home & away with the Liberty logo, I thought for sure they would finally dump their classics for the best modern redesign ever. At the very least I had hoped that Liberty would find her way onto their shoulders.
I truly hope the Rangers will bring Liberty back as she is one of the most iconic images of NYC & she will fit nicely on the Edge cut.
I hear Florida is going to release a "vintage" look with a circular logo and no red. I wonder what color scheme they would use since they are abandoning the red. More blue? Yellow? A color completely off of their palette?
A close source tells me that Minnesota will bring back green, only you guys are in for a disappointment. The only striping on this jersey will be a single stripe on each arm, in wheat (see the current home jersey). Also, the are abandoning their great bear-head logo for a crappy wordmark. The word MINNESOTA will be put diagonally along the jersey (bottom to top) in wheat, with two "Northstar" swooshes above and below the text, once again, the swooshes will be in wheat.
A guy made a mock-up here: http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1947/jersey4.jpg
I hear Nashville will also unveil a new shoulder patch on the third.
The caps really need that blue third with a weagle on the front and maybe the wordmark on the shoulders. Or even maybe retro throwbacks
Lou Lamoriello always said as long as he was in NJ they would not have a third jersey.
As a Rangers fan, I would love to see Lady Liberty make a return, but I was always partial to the white one they wore in 97-98. Love that jersey.
I really really really hope the Avs get new home and road uniforms too. They need to get rid of the generic apron look. It's just terrible.
Agreed that the Avalanche need to lose the horrid Bettman stripes.
Also, anything but a return to the classic Flames jersey would be a mistake.
Calgary - I'm so sick of calgary in black. The faster they get back to their last stanley cup championship designs the better.
Chicago - I don't think they should wear an alt with the finest home and away, but i admit they look good in those faux-backs.
Colorado - Hopefully something traditional, i hate their current reebok-mess home and away.
Florida - see colorado
Minnesota - If it's a green, hopefully they'll have a waist stripe. I don't want them looking like a ninja turtle.
Nashville - Can't get any worse right?
Detroit - I was actually at the last home game of the reg season when they wore the Couger faux-backs. It was surreal to see them in something different. Hopefully they stay with just the traditional home and away.
NYR - I don't like lady liberty. The dark blue isn't even a team color.
NJ - They are fine without
Ducks - I'd be curious to see it.
Bluejackets - I hope they stay without, i like their current look.
Hey I work at a Jersey store and my manager said that the Flames might have scrapped the new third to wear the '89 jersey for a few games this year as an alternate. Dunno the validity of it but figured I'd through it out there as a possibility. It has been a while since we've heard anything from the Flames about it and I dunno for sure by they are also closing in on a 30 year anniversary...
You didn't include Martin Havlat in the players who switched teams.
@Alex: That Minnesota mock-up is all sorts of Toronto-boring.
RE: Red Wings third plans -- haven't heard any buzz around here about it yet.
Apparently at the Ducks season ticket holder meeting, GM Bob Murray addressed questions about a third jersey and said next (2010-2011 season) and the plan was 5 years from the team refresh.
Hey man check out this.... It kinda looks like the real deal.... it look pretty good!
http://fans.flames.nhl.com/topic/22584/t/Flames-3rd-jersey.html?page=3
I loved the liberty design on the Rangers jersey it is an icon of the city.
the flyers r losing the black! what 3rds?
The Devils NEED a third! LOU if you can here me, we need a third jersey!!! I wanna different jersey at the rock.
i actually REALLY hate the blackhawks winter classic jersey
I like the blackhawks winter classic jerseys they needed a change. the old black jerseys were nice but im getting sick of them.
im praying they bring back lady liberty. the one i have in my closet isnt looking so good anymore. i need a new one. lets go rangers!! potvin sucks!!
I would like to see new oilers jerseys asap!!! the rbk edge ones looked like practice jerseys. i think a modern twist on the 84-85 jerseys
a little note here, i think just like the flames, ottawa is also changing their socks to just horizontal around the leg
There was a possible Florida Panther leak today in the local newspaper. Its another red jersey with the leaping panther, white sides, and two gray stripes on each shoulder. There's a picture of David Booth wearing it on the front page of the sports section of the Sun-Sentinel. It's really nice looking.
Pretty Acurate.