Avalanche Concept Art

The Colorado Avalanche are one of five teams we have yet to see jerseys or get word of unveiling dates for. (The other four teams are the Sharks, Ducks, Sabres and Devils, by the way.) Anyway, I've got concept designs to share, as usual.

I'm beginning with something recognizable. Something like that would look very similar to what the Avs currently wear and there would likely not be the upheavel of discontent like what we're hearing out of Ottawa. And all said, those are pretty sharp anyone. The Avs would be lucky to wear something that nice.

These are pretty interesting too. The one on the left completely does away with the angled stripes along the sleeves and bottom of the jersey. I'm not sure how I feel about it — probably because its unfamiliar. I've always thought the Avs have been among the best in the league with regard to logo and uniforms. To see a big change from them would be jarring.

So you can imagine how I might feel about the "alternate" jersey on the right. I'm a fan of the over-sized shoulder patch but that's about the extent of it. Black does not work with the Avs' look. However, the bigfoot secondary logo on the front of the jersey is growing on me a little. Maybe they could go in that direction with the new jerseys.

Then I have this design. If the numbers on the front didn't turn you off, check out the bottom of the jersey. I'm not really sure what's going on there or what the artist was trying to achieve.

And finally, while I was in the middle of writing this post, I got a great email from Capouel. Check out these works of art.

Being that the Avalanche once existed as the Quebec Nordiques, I felt these were relevant to this post. For those who don't know, the crest featured in these designs were not created by the designer. In fact, this logo was meant to be used by the Nords beginning in the 1995-96. But before they could put the logo into effect, the team was moved to Denver.

This is what the Nordiques might look like today if they never moved. Anyway, that's all I have to say on the matter. What do you guys think?

Oilers Take Pre-Orders; Plus Concepts

The Edmonton Oilers have joined the Philadelphia Flyers in making their new Rbk EDGE uniforms available for pre-order prior to their unveiling. There's now an animation on the front page of their site.

Similar to other teams, they're trying to cash in on their heritage and tradition by saying, "the evolution of the Oilers jersey continues." The following information regarding the pre-sale comes directly from the Oilers' web site.

August 25, 2007

Pre-Purchase the all-new Oilers jersey!

The Edmonton Oilers will debut an all-new jersey for the 2007-08 season. We can't give you the exciting details of when and how the jersey will be revealed, but stay tuned here for details.

In the meantime, you can pre-purchase the Oilers jersey by clicking the link below. And best of all, if you purchase before September 7, you can have your jersey crested in time for pre-season.

So, not even date is provided. However, various sources have reported September 16 or 17. A source I trust more says th 16th and that's why that date is in the countdown.

In the meantime, you can always count on me for concept designs and I've got a few to share for the Oil.

This design was emailed to me by Josh. It's based a lot off of this year's all-star jerseys. Not too bad, though, if you ask me. They could do a lot worse. You might notice the old NHL logo on the collar. Not sure if that was done on purpose or not.

Another reader went all old school on us with this design he put on a piece of paper. I think the nameplate would be found in the blue area above the number on the back.

Very interesting though. Once again, they could do worse. I know a lot of you have been unhappy with most of the designs of the new Rbk EDGE jersey — save for the Bruins — but they're not all bad. It's definitely an intriguing time for the NHL and I'm kind of excited to be a part of it.

To see these and other Oilers concept designs, be sure to check out the Concepts Gallery!

UPDATE (3:23 PM): I meant to post this initially. It's caused quite a stir among Oilers fans. The photo you're looking at comes to us by way of LetsGoKings.com and features new Oiler Sheldon Souray practicing with members of the Los Angeles Kings.

Apparently, what's got everyone in Edmonton in a tizzy is the pants he's wearing. They're saying the copper stripes are a new feature and may be an indication of what to expect for the new uniforms. Personally, as a non-Oiler fan, I couldn't even tell you how the old pants looked.

Anyway, there it is. Many of you have emailed me this image and I appreciate that but I also wanted to acknowledge that I have it and I've seen it. And now the rest of you have as well.

Suggestions For Atlanta

You asked and I was listening. You want Atlanta Thrashers concepts? I've got them. Let's dive right in!

I'd imagine this design to be the one most Thrasher fans are hoping for. It keeps the light blue and the "ATLANTA" down the sleeve. It's pretty sharp. But based on what we've seen so far, don't get your hopes up.

I was also sent this jersey. But don't worry, this would probably be a little too much for Reebok. Very colorful, that's for sure.

So Thrash fans, you got your wish. What do you think? Do you like these fan-created concepts or should your team go with something entirely different? Comment below.

A Royal Concept

I have a couple of interesting Los Angeles Kings concept jerseys to share today. Remember these pre-Gretzky colors?

That is quite something. Want some more?

I'm sorry, but am I the only person who thinks that's more of a queen's crown than a king's? I think the current one is pretty sharp. But frankly, and I might get fileted for the very suggestion, but I always thought the king head from the mid-'90s third jersey served as a great and fierce representation of the Kings as a team. Because let's face it, without the purple, they've got nothing.

Just, instead of sticking it in the corner and having that weird swoosh thing come down around the shoulder, just make it the primary crest. Thoughts? Am I a crazy nut completely off his rocker?

New Source For Bolts Logo Leak?

The Tampa Bay Lightning's new logo may have been leaked back in July but we'll obviously find out tomorrow whether that's true or not. Reaffirming that belief are these photos of a new hat.

The team has responded to the original leak by saying that it's close but not quite how the new logos will look. That seems to be confirmed by the secondary logo seen on the brim of the hat. You'll notice the blue Florida outline is missing. Makes it a very dull logo, doesn't it?

Anyway, I'll save my commentary on the new logo for when it becomes official. And that will be tomorrow. It pains me, but I will not be able to show up for the event. As you know the Lightning are my team and I had planned on attending and shooting my own photos and video to post here as "exclusive content." But unfortunately, my plans have changed. I'll be here and posting images. Sad for me, but good for you guys.

To any Lightning fans reading, I'd be more than grateful to you if you could send in photos and/or video since I can't be there myself.

Until then, you know I always have concept art up my sleeve. I came across these long ago but just realized I have yet to post them on this site.

These are from two separate design sets, but both feature redesigned logos. I don't care for the first one, but I could live with the second.

Any thoughts? Be sure to check back tomorrow. The Lightning are scheduled to unveil the new logos and threads at noon. I'll have photos as soon as they're available.

Your Daily Dose Of Canucks

You'd think my favorite team was the Vancouver Canucks the way I post about them. (Actually, the Lightning are as you know and I have lots for them later on today!) Anyway, I think it's just that Canucks fans are the most curious about their team's new logo and uniforms based on their decades old identity crisis.

Epitomizing that identity crisis is the mish-mash logo I posted on Tuesday. But the designer of it made some adjustments and improvements in coloring. I think they're worth a look so I thought I'd post that.

Drool over that, Vancouverites! And try and convince me you wouldn't give your left nut to have your team wear a jersey with this on the crest. Anyway, in all seriousness it's a very clever design. Whoever designed it needs to work for Conan O'Brien.

In addition, the Hockey Hall of Fame web site apparently leaked the new Canucks logo on a hat.

While the primary logo seems to lack green, it certainly seems to be a part of the overall team colors. It also appears we should expect the old stick-in-rink logo on the shoulders as a secondary.

That's all for today. Until the next time, enjoy this look back at the history of the Vancouver uniform, courtesy of Canucks.com.

Musing On Minnesota

With the Minnesota Wild releasing a teaser photo yesterday and the official unveiling date of their new Rbk EDGE uniforms, it's gotten the wheels turning within the graphically-inclined among you.

A widely held belief based on that image is that the Wild jerseys will closely resemble those unveiled by the New York Islanders recently. Here's the image I'm speaking of.

Colors aside, the basic design seems to match the Isles so far as we can see. Here's what one fan came up with.

I can't really lodge a complaint over that. I've always like the Wild's jerseys — green, white or red. These would be especially nice though. For another look, a reader recolored an Isles jersey for us.

Also pretty cool if you ask me. Now I'm asking you — Wild fans, especially. Are these the way to go? Would they make the Wild one of the NHL's best-dressed teams? Or do they leave you more or less indifferent?

UPDATE (4:10 PM): Our friend Lucas who came up with the concept based off of the Islanders new Rbk EDGE jersey, sent in a road version of the jersey. See what you think.

At Last: Devils Concept Art

This one goes out to all my New Jersey Devils fans out there. Go get hit by a train! No, I'm kidding. But your team has knocked mine out of more than its share of playoff series. And for that, I — on behalf of my Lightning — hold a grudge. Still, I'm willing to help you out here. I've been sent concept jerseys for the Devils. Peruse at your pleasure.

You might notice the basic layout looks an awful lot like what the San Jose Sharks have worn in recent years. But I like these because they suggest horns. What do you guys think? Worth considering or should they stick with what they know and avoid any big changes?

Canadian Team Unveiling Dates

Yes, I have just a little more Canada for you guys. I almost forgot about this. With the Senators having released their new Rbk EDGE jerseys, that leaves five other Canadian teams left to do so. Only the Canucks and Flames have made official statements. Vancouver will do the deed on August 29 and Calgary on September 4.

The Oilers, Maple Leafs and Canadiens have yet to announce official dates, but I've been told of likely dates for unveilings for those teams that I've added to the sidebar countdown. Apparently, Montreal will go on September 4. Toronto shows off their duds on September 13 — this according to CBC. And Edmonton will supposedly unveil theirs on September 16.

Once again, those three dates are speculative until the teams make official announcements. But the sources seem reliable enough to add the dates to the countdown.

And all right, Canucks fans, I won't leave you out. I mean, how could I in good conscience share Nordiques and Jets concepts and not Canucks?

One fan designed this concept based on the teaser photo on Vancouver's official web site. Have a great night, all!

Hey, Canada! Part 3

I'm heading to Quebec for the next stop on my trek across Canada today. The only team there today is the Montreal Canadiens. So let's start with them. I was emailed a concept design that is rather unique.

Interesting choice with the striping. What do you Habs fans think? Do you like the bars across the chest?

I got a really cool piece sent to me recently, as well, for a team that now exists under a new moniker in a new city. This designer contemplates what the Quebec Nordiques might look like in the "new NHL."

Gets you all nostalgic, doesn't it? Speaking of nostalgic, let's "jet" on over to Manitoba and muse on what the Winnipeg Jets might hve looked like in Rbk EDGE jerseys, had they not moved to Phoenix.

Talk about a trip down memory lane. Feel free to leave a comment about any of these designs. I'm sure their creators are interested in your responses.

Still to come today: A preview of the new uniforms of the Toronto Maple Leafs.