NHL JerseyWatch 2012: Rumor Edition
Monday · Feb 6 · 2012 | 5:59 PM PST
February Edition By this time last year, Reebok had already released its planning catalog to retailers for the new season. But so far, I haven't heard a peep about it this year. I could chalk it up to the fact that I've been out of the loop for about a month. But then I haven't seen it on any other websites yet either.
Regardless, that hasn't stopped rumors from percolating about what NHL uniform changes are in store for the 2012-13 season. And while you know I'm usually not a fan of rumors, I'm making an exception in this case. Because how could my first post in a month not be a JerseyWatch report?
All right, so without Reebok, everything you're about to read is speculation, but put through the filter of my experience covering this sort of thing on Icethetics. Still, nothing is official until team/league announcements are made. Until then, feel free to add your speculation in the comments.
Buffalo Sabres
Sabres "black ice" jersey / NHL.comNew alternate jersey At least one source has suggested the Sabres will drop their 40th anniversary blue third in favor of a new one. A black one.
I find that difficult to believe as well, when you consider the team's new ownership seems intent on solidfying the visual identity of a club that's struggled to find one over its history. This would not serve that purpose.
Essentially, the rumor says the black jersey will bear some slight resemblances to the Sabres' "Black Ice" jersey (right). Black Ice is a line of NHL fashion jerseys launched last year.
Again, I'm not sold on this particular rumor. But it's out there and worth a discussion. Black third jerseys were all the rage in the 1990s, much to the irritation of many Icethetics readers. The Sharks, Flames, Flyers and Capitals all immediately come to mind.
Keep in mind the Islanders' new third jersey is black for apparently no reason. Good or bad, are we about to see a resurgence of that trend? Let's hope not.
Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks 2008 third jersey / NHL.comNew alternate jersey The Blackhawks have spent this season without a third jersey. But that could change next fall.
Chicago previously used their 2009 Winter Classic uniform as an alternate over the last two years. But it was apparently unpopular with club management — albeit loved by fans and Icethetics readers.
It sounds like they will have a third option next season, but they'll be resurrecting a classic rather than reinventing the wheel. It's been reported the black jersey from 2008 may return.
The design was first seen on the ice in 1996 when the NHL began its third jersey program and continued to be worn until the Reebok Edge overhaul in 2007-08. It was subsequently brought back the following season when the league began allowing alternate uniforms again.
It wouldn't surprise me in the least to see this jersey return. It was well loved by fans, and if I'm being honest, it looks great. And heck, remember what I just said about black jerseys with regard to the Sabres?
Dallas Stars
New alternate jersey In last year's JerseyWatch, we talked a lot about the Stars introducing a green alternate uniform. But the ownership issues and subsequent sale of the franchise shelved those plans.
Stars TV color analyst Daryl Reaugh went on the record via Twitter last July. He told fans: "[A] new third [jersey] was in the chamber but got shelved in deference to impending new ownership."
That was really a shame. We were all hoping the Stars would get the chance to add a little more color. But with the change in management, perhaps now is the time to reinvigorate the team's rather dull look. It happened in Tampa Bay last year.
Looking back, Dallas may have been the hardest hit by the transition to Reebok Edge in 2007. They went from having a beautiful and unique set of sweaters to some of the blandest in the league. And green — already in short supply around the NHL — disappeared almost entirely.
It may be a stretch to think that the home and road sweaters could get an overhaul, but we can dream. I do think a new third jersey is much more likely, however.
Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings 1992 retro jerseyNew Winter Classic jersey Technically, it's not official yet, but reports strongly indicate the Detroit Red Wings will host the next NHL Winter Classic in 2013.
If the 2012 Winter Classic told us anything, it's that both teams involved will don special uniforms, even if they have only the slightest connection to the team's actual history. And for a team like the Red Wings, who haven't really changed their uniforms since 1934, theirs should prove especially hard to predict.
In 2009 when they played outdoors at Wrigley Field, the Wings wore replicas of a uniform used by the franchise when it was shiny and new — way back in 1926. Though then they were known as the Detroit Cougars. The Penguins and Flyers have both played in multiple Winter Classics but neither recycled a Winter Classic jersey.
During the NHL's 75th anniversary season in 1992, the Wings sported a throwback to the late 1920s with lots of red and white stripes — and DETROIT written across the front. If you want my best educated guess, they'll pull those suckers out again in 2013 when the host the Maple Leafs in the elements. If it's not that, I'm out of guesses.
Edmonton Oilers
Oilers third jersey / NHLNo alternate jersey Oilers fans were happy last summer to see the club add a new retro road jersey. Now it seems the last vestige of an awful uniform era will be disappearing.
In 2007, the Oilers were one of the hardest hit teams of the Reebok Edge era. Their home and road uniforms were plainly terrible and it didn't take long for the team to realize and set into motion some necessary changes.
In 2008, the Oilers launched their royal blue retro third jersey. In 2009, it became the home jersey, relegating the 2007 home jersey to alternate status. In 2010, status quo. In 2011, a white version of the blue jersey replaced the 2007 road uniform, but the navy alternate remained.
It seems that finally, in 2012, that jersey (right) will go away for good (until it becomes a hip retro jersey 40 years from now). In so doing, Edmonton will probably go without a third jersey at least a year or two — not that they'd need one anyway.
More than a few fans have called for a orange Alberta Oilers-inspired third — a throwback to the club's WHA era. I'm not sure the team is willing to go that far at this point. And for what it's worth, I really don't think they should. But only time will tell.
Florida Panthers
Panthers third jersey / NHLNo alternate jersey It's no secret the Panthers brass have fallen out of love with their 2009-debuted "JetBlue" third jersey. And we'll see the last of it this season.
Not long after the Florida Panthers announced a partnership with the airline came a new alternate sweater bearing a color scheme that resembled a certain plane design more than the identity of the hockey club that was wearing it.
Fans didn't like it and lots of comparisons were drawn to the Pittsburgh Penguins' powder blue alternate jersey. But a commitment is a commitment. And after the three long seasons, the Cats are relegating this one to history.
In September 2011, Panthers assistant GM talked to Miami Herald writer George Richards about the sweater and didn't really have anything nice to say it. "As soon as we can rid ourselves of those things, we'll be a happier bunch," said Santos.
He went on to talk about how the Panthers were bringing back the red home uniforms for this season and how their successful years were highlighted by their red uniforms. That still seems to be the case, much to the chagrin of this Lightning fan.
As for the future, the Panthers may once again look to navy blue for another third jersey. But for now, I think they'll be joining the ranks of the two-jersey teams for a while.
Tampa Bay Lightning
New alternate jersey This is another rumor I'm not ready to buy into yet, but some think the Lightning are on the verge of replacing their third jersey in 2012.
In fairness, for a team like the Lightning, it doesn't really make sense to have two blue jerseys. It works for Toronto (it's their only color) and the Blue Jackets (because a team called the "Blue" Jackets can't wear a red jersey). But Tampa Bay isn't yet ready to give up black as a part of the color scheme.
After getting feedback from fans on the new identity, Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke did say that black would be reincorporated into the team's look — though it was too late to substantially change the logo or home and road uniforms that were launched this season. It makes me think a black alternate sweater could be on the horizon here. (And that "black" theme continues...)
So though I'm not convinced it's a real likelihood for 2012-13, it does make sense in a lot of ways.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs 2002 retro jerseyNew Winter Classic jersey The Leafs launched a new third jersey this season. But maybe it was a year too soon if the Winter Classic rumors prove true.
It's been reported the Maple Leafs may be the Red Wings' opponent in a Michigan-based 2013 outdoor game. It would be the first interconference Winter Classic since the event began in 2008.
The third jersey Toronto added this year was inspired by a sweater worn in 1967. The one before that had been in use since 2000 (barring 2007-08) and was based on a much older jersey.
Looking back at their history, the Maple Leafs have a few more options than the Red Wings. But perhaps the most interesting would be their green Toronto St. Pats jersey (right) which was worn for a game in February 2002.
Because the Winter Classic is meant to draw a massive American TV crowd, iconic colors are important. So perhaps the Leafs in green wouldn't be the best of ideas. If you look at the late 1920s and '30s, it's clear the Leafs have some retro designs to work with. Therefore, like Detroit, it may be awfully hard to predict what they go with next winter.
Winnipeg Jets
New alternate jersey It'll be only their second season in Winnipeg next fall, but can you really be surprised the Jets are already considering third jersey options? Of course not.
It might seem a little soon, but folks, there's money to be made on Jets jerseys in Winnipeg right now. Why shouldn't the team keep cashing in? And as cash cows go, could you imagine a better one than a retro sweater for this club?
A proposed design by Jacob Barrette was posted here on Icethetics a few months ago. It got mixed but generally positive reaction. And if I were to bet on it, I'd say the Jets go with something similar, if not an exact replica of what the old Jets wore in their earliest NHL days.
That is, obviously, assuming the team is ready to add a third uniform. They may not be. Again, we'll have to wait and see what happens.
NHL Special Events
The NHL All-Star Game will be hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first time in 2013. That was announced prior the 2012 event in Ottawa. Will the NHL recycle their all-star threads a third time or come up with something new? Guess it all depends on what Reebok wants to market.
Before I go, I should point out I've heard rumblings about the possibility of the Ottawa Senators replacing their white road jersey. That could be baseless, but so could a lot of the aforementioned rumors. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.
And that's the first edition of NHL JerseyWatch 2012. More updates should continue through the spring and over the summer. As always, keep an eye on the blog for the newest information.
Reader Comments (49)
Count this Blackhawks fan as one of the many looking forward to the Hawks brining back our real third sweaters. The Winter Classic sweater was a nice throwback and all, a solid B+ imho, but for a franchise like Chicago, which is used to A+/A sweaters, even a B+ can be a step down in quality.
Thinking a black Hossa sweater would look mighty fine alongside my red Toews and white Kane sweaters. :D
Anymore about the rumors you hear about Ottawa replacing white....what could it be with??
Sabres- I HIGHLY doubt that they would introduce a black jersey. Not with Pegula in charge.
Hawks- I would love to see the 08-09 third return. Good choice there.
Stars- Hope that green jersey comes out of the mothballs.
Wings- I would like to see that 1992 jersey come back for the WC.
Oilers- Good riddance! I would like to see an Alberta Oilers style orange third though.
Panthers- Ditto^. The original red jersey would make a good alt (with stick-breaking panther and Fla shoulder logo).
Bolts- Don't really want to see the third go. It does need updates though.
Leafs- I don't think St. Pats would be the way to go for the WC.
Jets- Take the 1990-96 blue jersey and add some silver trim to it, then slap the current logo on the shoulder and you got a winner. An RCAF Flyers jersey would work well too.
Time to start making some concepts!
Great to see you're posting again! I'd just about given up hope :)
I'd love to see the Wings bring back that throwback.
The only way I'd accept the Sabres in black is if they were doing a throwback to the 96-06 unis, in which they went to their second (and most recent) Stanley Cup Final. And then, it wouldn't make much sense as a full-time third, but rather as a one-time-only job, or once-a-year for a couple of years (like the Devils' red-and-greens). It makes no sense to me for them to follow the Islanders with a new BFBS jersey.
I would be in favor of an orange WHA Oilers jersey - as a Heritage Classic uni. I will not be saddened at all to see the end of the Navy-Copper-Red era (though I do still lament the loss of the oilman shoulder patch - the one element of the era that I liked).
In regards to Detroit, I'd be a bit dissapointed by recycling the throwbacks worn in 91-92. The team doesn't use a third jersey, and we've been skimped on specialty jerseys due to this, I'd much rather see a 1936 style jersey used, Before the logo was altered, its the same jersey, but a significantly different look with reversed colors and a larger wheel. Thats what I'm hoping for, instead of a jersey that many already have (and isn't particularly interesting).
This would also be a dark/home jersey, and I really wouldn't mind seeing Toronto in their White 3rd from just a couple years ago. Just give us a 35 point star and they'll make everyone happy.
Welcome back!
I really hope the Sabres don't change the alternate, especially not to a black jersey. I still don't get the Hawks dumping what was one of the best alternates in the NHL, but the black alternate for them is quite good too. Can the Stars just dump every jersey they have now and start fresh? I wouldn't even mind something along the lines of what the Houston Astros use. EDM/FLA, good. Get rid of those alternates. I do support an orange alternate for the Oilers, but save it for a Heritage Classic to bust it out.
I may be in the minority on this, but I don't want the Jets to have a heritage jersey as an alternate. I like the new branding, and I want to see a light blue version of their current set (or something similar), which would also pay homage to the Atlanta Thrashers franchise in a way. They can have a heritage jersey for a Heritage Classic when they inevitably play in one down the line, but build the brand for now!
I'll be excited to see the new Winter Classic threads eventually...this year's game could look the closest to a typical NHL game as we've seen so far (uniform-wise).
I absolutely agree with Drew on the Jets..... Bring out the throwback for a HC in a few years. For now, if they want an alternate, go with the light blue (aviator blue was it?) that would help build a new brand for the Jets 2.0 but respect the Atlanta history, plus a RCAF flyers look would be amazing.
I would crawl over a mile of flaming broken glass for this Sens rumour to turn out to be a return to their '92-'07 whites. To me, its the only look I know that truly says 'Ottawa Senators' and the first jersey I think of when I hear the name. Seeing a youth movement full of kids wearing a palette swap of the Penguins craptastic unis instead of the REAL Sens whites kills me.
how about this for a new 'BOLTS' jersey, main colour silver grey with black / white / blue striping (so not as plain looking as the home / road jerseys are), now can someone do this as a concept for me??
To me, the black hawks have to have a black jersey...they are the BLACK hawks.
The stars could be intresting, the black jersey was kind of popular and was a key marketing marketing idea when it came out, but,fora couple of years now they occasionally Photoshop the jersey on there programs/marketing material to have a green tinge/tint
I think that Buffalo should focus on their home jersey before trying to make another alternate. I mean i like the concept they have for their home, but to me it needs to be trimmed up alittle bit, and they need to go back to the classic blue, not this navy they have
As for the Sens Rumours I would love to see the White Road Jersey become a White Version of the heritage Jersey but replace the shield shoulder patches with the Senators Logo and you are set. Or something more in line with the Original Whites they wore for the first several seasons in the league.
"Black third jerseys were all the rage in the 1990s, much to the irritation of many Icethetics readers. The Sharks, Flames, Flyers and Capitals all immediately come to mind."
One thing to keep in mind is that black jerseys are not a problem if they make sense and look good. In that regard, I thought the Sharks were fine, the Flyers would've been fine it had stuck as an alt and never replaced their classic orange, the Flames would've been good if it had been what is now - a trim and breezers color, and the Capitals overhauled everything, and were one of only two black and blue teams in the NHL.
The Sabres wear navy and gold. The Isles are back to wearing their classic orange and blue sets. For those teams, there is no logical reason to wear black jerseys. Black isn't in the scheme, and it doesn't enhance their sets either - especially in the case of Buffalo.
So, I'm certainly not buying that possibility.
I have seen plenty of evidence for the elimination of the Sabres Anniversary jersey. They are on clearance racks at several sports stores and hockey shops in the Buffalo area, and have been for a few weeks now. Most of what is left on shelves are the cheaper replicas, with nameplates and numbers glued, not stitched.
As for a black alternate, I know some kids that grew up during the black/red/silver/white "flaming goat-head" jersey days are now in thier 20's, and actually miss those sweaters ( pray this never happens with the slug).
While I always liked to "proposed" Chicago thirds, I wish they would mix things up slightly. The proposed third is based on the pattern of the white jersey. I think if they made one based on the pattern of the red jersey, it would be a hit. Just switch the red and black and voila! (I think the Niagara Falls Thunder of the OHL had something like that a "few" years ago.)
I want new Wild road jerseys :(
Moorsy,
I agree with you. The SENS should make that heritage classic their home sweaters and create a white alternate for the road. Being a Leafs fan, I pretty much hate the Sens but next to the Oilers new white road sweaters, those heritage classic jerseys are one of the best in the NHL.
As a diehard Bolts and Everblades fan (and southwest Florida resident), I have to say I REALLY hope the Bolts do something about these hideous uniforms. What about this:
Use the current "BOLTS" third jersey color scheme (blue shirt, with black, white, and silver accents) on the current home uniforms. Give that cartoonish lightning bolt some accenting and shading. Do the same with the white away shirts. Furthermore, I would ask that the outline of the state of Florida be reincorporated into the shoulder patches... it would be a simple task to draw it in behind the lightning bolt inside the circles.
And then bring a black third jersey. The jersey can use the "Bolts" wordmark... or a new design entirely. I think either would make for a great third jersey.
And for the love of the hockey gods... BRING BACK THE VICTORY STRIPES UNDER THE ARMS!!
Go Bolts!
I think its stupid that thw Wings and Leafs are playing eachother in the WC, I know that they are both original six teams but really, the Leafs and Wings have no rivalry. I may be biast but I think the wings should be against the Avs. The Leafs can play the Sens in the Herritage classic.
How can the jets use the throwback jerseys when tge jets franchise is still around? Wouldn't they have to part the coyotes out something?
Yes, I agree the Tampa Bay Lightning they tried to hard to be a classic look team, I love Stevie Y but they made a mistake in doing what they did in the ways of their colour scheme but I'm sure is was more of a push by Tod Leiweke, they need to bring back jersey's with more black in them, just the other day I was in a Walmart and was in the video game section and walked past some games and NHL 12 caught the corner of my eye and I said since when was a Maple Leaf on the cover of this game until I realized it was Stamkos (I'm being serious about that), black is more part of the Lightning history then blue and when the finally realize that they need to bring it back they will stop playing like the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past 39 years and start playing like the Leafs of the last two weeks. And like BrianB23 said bring back the freakin victory stripes.
Dallas have new owners now, so i think its time they have a complete change, ditch the horribly dull jerseys and break from the colours from the old owners. The obvious choice would be red, white and blue of the state flag. And surely that would be a popular choice for the Stars marketing people??
I agree with Moorsy and Johnny_Spectacular, the Sens must return to their modern era roots and dig out the 92-07 white jersey that saw them experience many of their memorable moments (first win, playoffs, finals, etc...) That jersey (and a black version of it) should be what the Senators wear here on out beginning next season with the heritage jersey as their alternate look. I think that 3/4 of Sens fans would agree that would be ideal.
As an Oilers fan. I want to see a Navy/Silver like the Todd McFarline jersey that they had in the early 2000's. Maybe a silver Oilers logo....that would be cool!
Have to agree with Steve-O... its time us Bolts fans got together and start a campaign...
BRING BACK THE BLACK!! BACK in BLACK NIGHT!!!
(and victory stripes too!)
That's smart, Hawks, don't listen to the fans.
Is there anything suggesting that the Flyers Winter Classic jersey will be a third next year?
I hope the Red Wings don't opt for the stripy jersey. That early-nineties nod to a bygone design trend comes off less like a retro statement and more like a bar code. The Leafs have the right idea with the St-Pats jersey. It's authentically heritage and a testament to the less-is-more principle.
Another one that I'm speculating on is that I'm under the firm belief that Anaheim will be turning their current alternate jersey into a full time home jersey, complete with white jersey to go with it.
Now, to clarify, I have no insider information, and that this is pure speculation, nothing more.
Would the Panthers eliminating their third herald a wider move in the league away from the logo-in-circle-with-team-name look that is great in moderation but has become used to excess?
Me too Todd.. Me too...
Only success the Sabres have had was when they wore Black/Red/Grey "Goathead" Jerseys. I wish they played that way now, but everybody in WNY is stuck in a wormhole by liking the Sabres in their LOSING, OLD UNIFORMS. One can only Pray they go back to Black.
The Winged Wheel has in fact gone through a few variations, including a smaller one one with somewhat different proportions (larger wheel, smaller wing) most famously worn during the Howe years, as well as an inverted-colour version of the current emblem.
I'm hoping they go with the Howe-era winged wheel, maybe in a slightly darker shade of red. Those striped 'DETROIT' jerseys are hideous.
I agree with what was mentioned about the Sabres needing the classic blue. I like the set we have now but I would really like to see the classic royal blue of the third jerseys on everything full time. They should do what philly did and just go right back to what they used to wear until 1996. They looked amazing the the winter classic. Anyway, on to the point of this. If the "black ice" jerseys are what the rumor is based off then every team will have a black third. I think those jerseys are dumb. If I'm going to spend that much on a jersey, it better be the right colors. I don't see a black Sabres third as a realistic option.
I think you're going to be right about the Stars having a green alternate. I read an interview with the new owner, Gaglardi, a few weeks back where he talked about wanting to bring green back into the color scheme and hinted at a 3rd jersey that would then transition to being the new home jersey. I'll try to find a link. As a Stars fan, I really hope he makes that happen. I refuse to buy the current "DALLAS" unis and would buy a green jersey the day it came out.
Jerseyman - While I think you're right about the marketing team loving a red, white and blue color scheme (and it would probably look good), it would be a PR nightmare with a fanbase that really wants to get back to green and gold.
the jets should have new third jersey. the bolts could use a black/grey alt and the addition of grey and black on the home and roads.
Chris,
FWIW, I've been in touch recently with 2 people from the Sabres regarding their jersey set. One is the head of the merchandise department and the other the director of community relations. From what they've told me, the Sabres are going only with the home and road sweaters for next year. The current 3rd is going to be retired and the final set will be up for grabs through an online auction on the team’s site in the coming weeks so that will be the last we see of the script logo. If they decide to bring it back or go with a new one after next season is yet to be determined, but a new 3rd wasn’t ruled out for down the road.
Tampa's third jersey should be black and silver, perhaps with Tampa Bay spelled out diagonally across the chest.
Its a mystery to me why Buffalo would ditch there current thirds, i think they're one of the best looking jerseys in the league. It would be nice to see teams settle on a third and keep them permanently, rather then changing or ditching them after a few years; though i'd give the Ducks, Islanders and Panthers permission to dump there's at any time.
I received an email from Sabres President Ted Black on the black jersey rumor.
Here is what he wrote:
"As to your other comment about “black-based jerseys”—I am not sure if we will see black-based jerseys during my tenure because I think Terry would strangle me if I proposed them."
Hey Chris the new/sort of old skool website redesign looks great! I really hope the black 3rd's theme doesnt get hot again, I mean the only teams I wouldnt mind in a black 3rd would be of course the blackhawks and your Bolts (i really liked their old black unis added more color to it, hopefully the future 3rd logo looks a bit less like "The Flash" and more like their 90s-mid 00's logo with a modern twist to it). I couldn't imagine the sabres in black, it would just look really bad imo. If the panthers bring back a blue hopefully its navy like their 90s jerseys and maybe try a mix design of current and something new with the panther breaking the sticks logo. As for the winter classic I actually really like both of your ideas, I'd love to see the wings rock the 75th anniv unis and the st. pats leafs one (talk about something different and looks cool imo). So glad to see that the oilers are getting rid of those horrible edge unis and I'd love to see the Jets bring back either of their previous unis (70's-80's or Selanne days).
As for Dallas I think almost any hockey fan would love to see them bring back the Green. I really hope they'd ring the exat ones they wore in the 90's-06 (resemblance of he 90's all star unis) those were thri best imo 2nd to their early 90's design which would look excellent as a green third (or even a nod to the Northstars?).
I really hope the Flyers wear their 2012 winter classics as full time 3rds next yr, they were really nice.
Carcillo you make a great point, I'm one of those kids from the 90s in my 20s and i almost totally 4got bout those jerseys since the blue and yellow have been around for such a while. I like those jerseys but wasnt a huge fan, however since 3rd's are supposed to be a bit different maybe bringing the sabre head back (not the fugly buffaslug) might not be a bad idea, use black and a little blue and yellow and either put the head on the front with the primary on the shoulders or vice versa.
For the Winter Classic what about a red version of detroit's 08 jersey and a white version of the st pats for the leafs.
How about something new for the Redwings? Take the wire wheel and change it to something like a Torq Thrust or maybe even Halibrand type design and maybe a slight change to the shape of the wings?
Also the Sharks really need a complete overhaul on their jerseys. Bring back original teal and swith the black 3rd jeresy for a gray one with the shark fin logo as the main crest and also use that logo as shoulde patches on the home and road. On the Shark logo change the coloring to look like an actual shark and have the thing be gray and white.
According to the Panthers beat writer, George Richards, the Panthers will indeed not have a 3rd jersey next year, but the navy blue could come back in 2013-14.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/flapanthers/2012/03/its-official-flapanthers-jetblue-third-jerseys-no-more-cats-wearing-third-sweaters-once-more.html
"I've been told the Panthers will not have a third jersey next season but there is a likelyhood they could have one by the 2013-14 season. Expect a dark blue jersey with a different Cat-In-A-Circle logo. Or perhaps the Sunshine/Palm Tree/Hockey Stick logo."
Re: Leafs sweaters for Winter Classic - they should wear replicas of their white (road) sweaters from 1942, the year they came back from being down 3-0 in the Stanley Cup finals against the Wings to win in 7 games.
What's this 'black jersey' nonsense?!?! NO! We better NOT go there...good to hear that we want to change it up in the 'alternate' department, IT'S TIME! I'd like to see Buffalo bring back the vintage 90's royal blues...I fell in love with those sweaters when we wore em for 15 home games in 06-07, and I think it's time we revive it! I've even sent in a design idea for a revised version of that uniform I call the 'vintro' WE'LL SEE!
I don't know what Chicago fans you've been talking to, but the black jerseys were never popular with fans. Third jerseys in general were mostly disregarded. I know sales of the winter classic design was pretty high, but that is mostly due to the winter classic itself. I've been to games where you can hear the crowd boo when they realize its an alternate jersey night.
The most popular alternate jersey as far as what you see in the stands and around town is the green one. Exactly like regular home jerseys but green instead of red and with a four leaf clover on the shoulder opposite the C or A. These jerseys have never been worn in a game and I'm not even sure what their official affiliation is with the team, but they do sell them at the stadium. Although I'm not voting for them as an alternate, they do support the idea of one better than the black. I'm sick of everyone wearing black!