Let’s Look at All the New Reverse Retro Designs

As I’m sure you’re aware by now, the NHL yesterday unveiled all 32 Reverse Retro jerseys (but, in most cases, not the full uniforms). I have to say, I hate it when leagues throw so many designs at us all at once. It’s too much to process, and a lot of nuances and details end up being overlooked amidst all the hype. The best thing about MLB’s City Connect program — maybe the only good thing about it, in fact — is that the releases are staggered, so each design gets a chance to breathe a bit and we can take our time to see how everything looks.

I should say at the outset here that I really like the idea of RR — it’s a gimmick, but it’s a fun gimmick. More importantly, at least for our purposes, it’s a uniform program about uniforms. The designs aren’t based on some local building or some overworked “storytelling” metaphor — they’re based on old uniforms and logos! What’s not to like?

Well, here’s something not to like: Somewhat incredibly, neither Adidas nor the NHL has put together a web page showing photos and promo text for all 32 designs (at least not that I could find). So for today’s blog post, I’ve put that together myself. Here’s what you’re about to see:

• For most of the teams, I used promo photos that Adidas provided to the media, showing lifestyle models wearing the jerseys, because that’s all that was available. I cropped the photos to eliminate the various ad slogans they originally contained, so we can just focus on the designs.
• The Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Hurricanes, and Red Wings have posted photos or mock-ups of players wearing the full RR uni, and the Golden Knights were nice enough to send me a full-uni photo. So I used those photos, instead of the Adidas pics, for those six teams. (If you know of other full-uni RR pics floating around out there, please let me know and I’ll do my best to swap them in.)
• For the text, I used the bullet-point descriptions from the NHL/Adidas press release. Obviously, a lot of the marketingspeak language is silly, but it’s interesting to see what each design is supposedly based on. (The press release also had lots of grammatical issues and stylistic inconsistencies, most of which I left in place because there are only so many hours in a day [although I did fix the 10 instances in which they mistakenly used “compliment” instead of “complement,” because come on!].)
• When possible, I added an extra bullet point linking to the dates when a given team’s RR uniform will be worn, but some teams haven’t yet posted that info.

So that’s what’s on tap for today. I’ll offer my own assessments of the designs next week, when I give them the Uni Watch Power Rankings treatment.

As I said, I like the basic RR concept. Still, it’s one thing to have a fun concept; it’s another to execute it well. For the most part, I think they did that with RR 1.0 back in 2021. How did they do this time? You can decide for yourself as you scroll through this season’s designs.

Anaheim Ducks

• This bold jersey design finds its inspiration in the Ducks inaugural season uniform, remixed in today’s team colorway.
• The jersey features the 1993 signature asymmetrical body stripe, chevron sleeve stripes and three color player numbers rendered in the team’s current orange and black palletea.
• The three-stripe motif with the middle stripe dropping to the body color is one of the most iconic uniform design elements in hockey.
• The uniform is complemented with orange pants.
• RR uni schedule here (but you have to look hard to find it).

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Arizona Coyotes

• Inspired by the Coyotes 1998-2003 “Third” uniform, the new jersey presents a color remix featuring desert “Sienna.”
• This is the first time this trending earth-tone color has been worn by any NHL team.
• Replacing traditional striping at the hem and cuff, this Reverse Retro jersey features a sublimated graphic depiction of the desert and incorporates the Coyotes crescent moon logo as part of the landscape.
• Gecko shoulder patches round out the design with dimensional cresting treatments of raised backbone ridges.
• The jersey showcases ’90s design markers underscored by oversized sublimated bold graphics and colors. The Coyote is on the prowl again!
• RR uni schedule here.

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Boston Bruins

• This jersey spotlights the Bruins 1995 “Third” uniform that was originally gold, this time around remixed in an athletic bright white.
• The 1995 Bruins alternate represented one of the first five “Third” jerseys in NHL history to feature new groundbreaking print sublimation in design execution.
• The jersey was worn in the first NHL “Third” jersey game, and its historical significance has always made it a fan favorite.
• Legend has it that the image of the Bruin was taken from a painting of a bear hanging on the wall of a team executive. This is why it looks more like a painting than a sharp-edged and clean-lined logo.
• The hem, sleeve and yoke stripes are executed in sublimation just like the original 1995 version.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Buffalo Sabres

• The Sabres will honor their 1996 uniform remixed with today’s current colors of royal and gold.
• The original modern oversized stripe construction is retained, but the appearance of the blocking is simplified to emphasize the royal and gold.
• The swooping body stripes and horn-shaped outline on the upper arm are unique design markers to this uniform.
• The center crest Bison/Buffalo head is enhanced by raised dimensional treatments with raised eyebrow, horn and hair ruff.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Calgary Flames

• The Flames honor their 1995 uniform with a remix of black for the first time.
• This is a classic ’90s design with the bold diagonal “pedestal” hem stripe executed in sublimation just like the original ’95 version. This unique stripe breaks across the traditional horizontal pattern to align under the crest with similarly angled sleeve stripes complementing the look.
• The custom player name and number font execution is italic, giving each of the creative elements of this jersey “forward” movement in branding to match the Flames “C” crest.

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Carolina Hurricanes

• The Hurricanes’ current away jersey gets a remix in a bold red colorway for the first time.
• The jersey features two sets of hurricane warning flags on the shoulders.
• Inspired by the original CANES jersey, the hem features 24 tonal warning flags.
• The CANES stairstep center cresting will be executed with raised dimensional treatment underscoring the Hurricane flag details.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Chicago

• Chicago features a literal interpretation of “Reverse Retro” with reversed placement of black and red color positions from the classic 1938 Chicago uniform.
• The jersey features a CHICAGO wordmark inspired by the 2019 Winter Classic crest executed in two-layer twill with a tonal running stitch within the white portion of the lettering.
• The team’s primary logo adorns the left shoulder.

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Colorado Avalanche

• The Stanley Cup Champs honor their first Stanley Cup uniform from their inaugural 1995-1996 season remixed in a Colorado state flag colorway.
• The multi-angled stripes evoke the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
• The C crest pays homage to the state flag.

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Columbus Blue Jackets

• The Blue Jackets original “Third” jersey is honored with a reversed black body accented with Navy stripes along the sleeves.
• Light Blue from the team’s current “Third” adds color pop to the stripes.
• The original “Third” was the first appearance of the current Blue Jackets primary logo inspired by the state flag of Ohio with its unique pennant shape and red, white, and blue colors with white stars.
• Two different shoulder patches are used, one featuring a Kepi cap and the other a small version of the team’s original CBJ crest.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Dallas Stars

• The Stars honor their inaugural season uniform remixed to the team’s current colorway featuring a black colorway with “Victory Green,” white and silver accents.
• The Stars crest features a significant dimensional embroidery giving the Star a 3D appearance.
• The shoulder patches showcase a stylized state of Texas image with a “D” marking the location of Dallas.
• A ’90s staple uniform rebooted for 2022.
• RR uni schedule here (although it’s not easy to find).

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Detroit Red Wings

• The Red Wings honor their 1991 NHL 75th-anniversary jersey remixed in a black and red colorway.
• Here the Red Wings present a bold all-red execution combining the jersey, pant, socks, gloves, and helmet accented with black trim.
• The crest features a DETROIT wordmark inspired by the 1920s Detroit Cougars jersey.
• The pant features a black and white version of the iconic Winged Wheel logo.
• This is the first time ever Detroit has integrated black into their uniform.

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Edmonton Oilers

• The Oilers first “Third” jersey gets remixed in an orange and navy colorway.
• The crest features a “dynamic gear” surrounding the oil drop with each bolt hub representing one of the team’s five Stanley Cups.
• The crest will be enhanced with a raised three-dimensional treatment.
• This was a bold ’90s sweater now rebooted with orange accents and a combination of metallic and matte silver finishes.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Florida Panthers

• The Panthers honor their 1998 uniform with a remix featuring a light blue colorway from the team’s 2009 “Third” jersey complemented by their current primary colors of navy, sun yellow, and red.
• The center crest showcases the iconic sun, crossed palm tree and stick logo that originally appeared on the shoulder of the 1998 jersey.
• The sun and palm crest will incorporate a dimensional treatment with raised rays radiating from the sun.
• A classic ’90s presentation with bold Florida colors.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Los Angeles Kings

• The Kings will honor the 1982 uniform celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the “Miracle on Manchester.”
• The Kings Reverse retro is remixed in a bright athletic white base with Forum Blue (purple) and gold color trims.
• This is the first time this iconic purple and gold jersey has been executed in white.
• The center crest royal crown will incorporate a dimensional treatment with raised gems and detailed satin stitch embroidery.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Minnesota Wild

• The Wild will honor the 1978 North Stars with a uniform featuring the ’78 color-blocking palate incorporating the current Minnesota Wild crest.
• The jersey features era-specific shoulder yoke and sleeve striping plus drop-shadow numbers.
• The Wild crest will feature raised dimensional treatments for the star eye and trees.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Montreal Canadiens

• The Canadiens will showcase a jersey honoring the 1979 uniform, in which the Canadiens won their 22nd Stanley Cup and fourth in a row.
• The jersey will be remixed utilizing a light blue body inspired by the city of Montreal colors.
• While the Canadiens have worn many shades of blue in their storied history, this will be the first time they will wear this specific light blue color.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Nashville Predators

• The Predators will showcase a uniform inspired by the team’s first “Third” jersey from 2001 remixed in the team’s current colorway.
• The Jersey will bring back the fanged Pred head crest which features nine colors including three shades of blue.
• The original 2001 jersey color was mustard; this Reverse Retro re-recording of the uniform will feature Predators gold, including the helmet and socks, complemented by a navy pant and silver dazzle for a vivid color pop in Smashville.
• RR uni schedule here.

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New Jersey Devils

• In 1982, the Rockies relocated to New Jersey and became the New Jersey Devils, and this uniform pays homage to both the Devils and the Rockies as the Club celebrates its 40th anniversary.
• The Devils will showcase the inaugural 1982 jersey remixed in a Colorado Rockies colorway featuring a vivid bright athletic white body complemented by gold and navy striping incorporated in the trim of shoulder yoke and vertically down the side of the pant.
• The iconic NJ Devil center crest will incorporate a distinct navy outline with raised embroidery giving the crest dimension against the bright athletic white background.
• Will debut on Nov. 2; other dates not yet announced.

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New York Islanders

• The Islanders presented a full rebrand in 1995 that followed every ’90s uniform trend from teal colors to wavy design lines and mascot-like logos. Twenty-seven years later, this uniform has a special place in the hearts of all sports fans and was the most requested uniform from Reverse Retro 2020.
• Back by popular demand is the Islanders 1995 jersey remixed in the team’s current navy and orange colorway.
• The Islanders are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in the NHL.
• The uniform will present a powerful head-to-toe navy color scheme incorporating the helmet, pant and sock complemented by clean orange and white trims and corresponding number system.
• The center crest will feature dimensional raised embroidery of the Fisherman hat, beard and hands with teal accents in the waves.
• RR uni schedule here.

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New York Rangers

• The Rangers’ beloved “Lady Liberty” jersey will return with a remix in the Rangers’ current colorway.
• Previous iterations presented the uniform in dark navy and white. Reverse Retro will incorporate Rangers “Blueshirt” Royal Blue in the body complemented by red color-blocking and navy stripes.
• The shoulder patches and crest will tie back to the original jersey with white and silver playing off each other, creating a glistening appearance enhanced by a raised dimensional embroidery treatment.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Ottawa Senators

• The Senators will present a fusion of eras celebrating the jersey of their historic playoff run in 2006-07 with a remix incorporating the current Ottawa color scheme and breakouts.
• The original version of this jersey was the Senators first “Third” jersey in 1997, featuring even more super-sized curved stripes adorning the sleeves and body than the 2006 version.
• The Senators Reverse Retro is a slight reunion of the two executions with recolored red stripes made smaller in proportion to the original design.
• The uniform is presented in a powerful black head-to-toe visual including the helmet, pant and sock complemented by a thick super-sized player name and number system.
• The shoulder patches will feature the front-facing Centurion which was the Primary logo in 2006 and the center crest will feature today’s primary logo.

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Philadelphia Flyers

• The Flyers will honor their 1974 and 1975 Stanley Cup Championship wins with a jersey remixed in an almost all white and black color palate with slight accents of orange.
• The iconic Flyers crest will showcase dimensional embroidery treatment raising the outline around the front crest.
• A thin black outline will surround the crest to match the crest worn in 1974,
• RR uni schedule here.

Paul here. Incredibly, this Adidas marketing spiel leaves out the best part, which is that the team will be wearing pregame Cooperalls with this uniform! I wish they’d do it for the actual games, not just pregame, but it’s still a great move.

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Pittsburgh Penguins

• The Penguins will honor the famous Streamlined Penguin jersey worn by Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr throughout most of their 1990s run together.
• The uniform is one of the most requested retros from NHL fans.
• Today’s Reverse Retro version will feature a black remix with traditional gold shoulder yoke versus the V-shaped shoulder design of yesteryear.
• The Penguin crest will have dimensional embroidery treatment raising the shadow treatment for the Penguin head and wings.
• RR uni schedule here.

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St. Louis Blues

• The Blues will honor a unique inaugural jersey presented in 1966.
• The uniform is based on the very first Blues jersey, a “prototype” worn by the new ownership of the club a year before the team hit the ice.
• This is the first time the Blues have ever worn a primarily gold jersey. The gold is paired with light blue – the same blue from the Blues “Third” jersey and other vintage-inspired uniforms, including the 2017 and 2022 Winter Classic Jerseys.
• RR uni schedule buried here.

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San Jose Sharks

• The Sharks will present a uniform inspired by the 1974 California Golden Seals remixed with a new Sharks wordmark in Seals typography and colors.
• The Seals were the Bay Area’s first NHL team.

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Seattle Kraken

• In their sophomore season, the Seattle Kraken will present a jersey that prominently spotlights the team’s sea green color in the body.
• The jersey incorporates a classic horizontal striping that seemingly “submerges” the “S” crest below the Navy stripe sea.
• The Kraken’s red eye peeks just above the Navy surface.
• The crest features dimensional embroidery with raised eyebrow and tentacle shadow.
• RR uni schedule buried here.

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Tampa Bay Lightning

• The Bolts will honor their original 1997 Storm “Third” jersey remixed in a white colorway.
• A proud member of the first wave of ’90s “Third” jerseys, the uniform features bold rain, sea, and lightning sublimated in full-size graphics across the jersey with lightning bolts down the side of the pants.
• The crest will showcase raised metallic silver twill complemented by an oversized “electric” stylized name and number font system.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Toronto Maple Leafs

• The Leafs will honor their 1962 Stanley Cup-winning uniform, the inaugural season for this uniform lock-up, reversed from white/royal to royal/white.
• The Maple Leaf crest is meticulously recreated with vintage single-needle stitching complemented by a “felt” player name and number decoration.
• A new narrow shoulder yoke with pointed seam construction was specifically created to match the original sweater.

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Vancouver Canucks

• The Canucks will honor their history with a jersey inspired by the Canucks’ 1962 uniform of the former Western Hockey League.
• The jersey is remixed in royal, green and beige colors.
• The crest is a recreation of the 1960s Johnny Canuck icon featuring raised embroidery of the leather gloves and suspenders.
• Matching the original jersey, player numbers will appear on the left chest and right shoulder, not on the left shoulder.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Vegas Golden Knights

• The Golden Knights will present a jersey whose design imagines what a Golden Knights “Third” jersey might have looked like in 1995.
• The jersey features a Vegas diagonal wordmark crest along with a “glitzy” player name and number font system inspired by vintage hotel signage on the strip.
• A sword stripe adorns the pant.
• Seen in the dark and under black light, the creative encore of this jersey showcases hidden glow-in-the-dark stars incorporated into the crest.
• RR uni schedule here.

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Washington Capitals

• The Capitals will present their 2005 uniform remixed in a head-to-toe all-black colorway.
• The beloved “Screaming Eagle” is back, receiving a dimensional cresting treatment.
• This is a classic ’90s reboot featuring asymmetrical striping and a custom unconventional player name and number font system with bold new colors – Capital Blue and Metallic Copper!
• RR uni schedule here.

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Winnipeg Jets

• The Jets will honor their 1990 jersey remixed in the team’s current color palette without red, highlighting royal and featuring a bright white color base.
• 1990 was the inaugural year of this uniform and it was worn by Teemu Selanne when he broke the rookie goal scoring record in 1992-93.
• The “Goals For Kids” patch worn in the ’90s is updated to the current “True North Youth Foundation.”
• Another gem from the ’90s remixed for today!
• RR uni schedule buried here.

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Phew — that’s a lot to take in!

Here are some very preliminary notes about these designs and the way they’ve been presented:

• All of the leaks that were circulating in recent months turned out to be accurate.
• As you may have noticed in the photos, the NHL logo at the base of the collar appears in retro black/orange colors, but in the current “uphill” configuration. That’s a change from RR 1.o, where they went with the contemporary silver/black logo.

• Ten of the 32 jerseys are white — a slight uptick from the original 2021 RR set, in which eight of the 31 jerseys were white.
• Speaking of white: The press release variously refers to some of the white jerseys as “bright athletic white,” “athletic bright white,” “bright white,” and — wait for it — “white.”
• The Chicago and Detroit designs appear to have been separated at birth. Adidas even used the same model for them:

• What are the odds that two different designs in this unveiling — the Avs’ and the Devils’ — would draw their colors from the Colorado state flag?
• You can tell the Hurricanes aren’t into this promotion. They’re wearing their RR design for only two games, and their own Twitter account actually made fun of the very minimal retro aspect:

• It is disappointing beyond words that almost no effort was made to show, or even describe, the full uniforms. The words “pant” and “pants” appear a combined a combined eight times in the press release; “sock” and “socks,” a combined four times; “helmet,” four times. Would it have been so hard to provide quick color descriptions for all of these elements for each team (or, you know, take full-uni photos)?
• The photos’ neon-style backlighting makes it annoyingly difficult to discern the actual colors for some of the jerseys (especially the Coyotes and Kraken). Reminds me of the old Morty Seinfeld line: “Cheap fabric and dim lighting — that’s how you move merchandise.”
• Chicago’s president of business operations, Jaime Faulkner, said on a podcast yesterday that this will be the final year of the RR program (which I guess makes sense, given that next season will be the final year of Adidas’s contract with the league).

Okay, that’s (more than) enough for one day. Like I said, I’ll have my say on the various designs next week!

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