From Mats Sundin returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a front-office role to Patrick Kane returning to play for the Chicago Blackhawks, nostalgia is in the air across the NHL.
That, along with speculation about the upcoming line of “Hometown Remix” alternates for all 32 teams in the 2026-27 season and the New York Islanders creating a fan contest to design their alternates for 2027-28, means jersey talk among fan bases is a hot topic this offseason.
Last year, The Athletic asked its NHL staff for every NHL team’s best and worst jersey in franchise history. This year, we explored which sweater from each club’s history should make a comeback.
Here are our picks.
Which jersey do you think your favorite team should bring back? Let us know in the comments.
Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya in 2000. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
Anaheim Ducks
1993-06 Mighty Ducks jersey
The current look based on their “Orange Country” slogan isn’t bad and plays off their original threads. I’m also not an orange hater in the way that many are. It’s a distinct color and stands out from the usual black, blue, etc., and it’s a vast improvement from previous main iterations. But the dark purple/eggplant/plum that was their regular road jersey is unbeatable and wonderfully distinct. A large swath of Ducks fans always clamors for a return to this and/or the home white version. — Eric Stephens
Tuukka Rask in 2021. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
Boston Bruins
2021 Reverse Retro jersey
The one-off jersey the Bruins wore against the Philadelphia Flyers at Lake Tahoe had a bold primary color and brash accents. — Fluto Shinzawa
Craig Rivet in 2010. (Bill Wippert / Getty Images)
Buffalo Sabres
2006-10 “Buffaslug” jersey
The Sabres’ “Buffaslug” jerseys had a short moment in the sun, but Buffalo had some strong seasons while wearing them. Having already brought the black and red “Goathead” jersey back, the slugs are the last remaining nostalgia play the Sabres could make. The logo was an ugly one, but it would bring back some memories of that great 2006-07 team. This is the 20th anniversary of the jersey, too. But the Sabres already have a strong jersey rotation with their classics and the “Goatheads.” — Matthew Fairburn
Mikael Backlund in 2015. (Gerry Thomas / Getty Images)
Calgary Flames
2003-21 black “flaming C” jersey
The Flames are a tough one because they’ve already brought back their classic jersey schemes from the 1980s and 1990s as their everyday jerseys. And they’ve also modernized their “Blasty” jerseys. They even brought back the pedestal Flames jersey as their Reverse Retros in 2022-23. So maybe bring back the black “flaming C” ones? Not right away. Maybe a few years after the new arena opens. — Julian McKenzie
Rod Brind’Amour in 2006. (Jim McIsaac / Getty Images)
Carolina Hurricanes
2000-07 home red jersey
These were the second iteration of the Hurricanes’ uniform after relocation, and Carolina’s best. While nothing compares to the Hartford Whalers threads, the early-aughts uniforms improved on the original from 1997-98 with black outlining on the nameplate letters. Two carryovers from the original look — the bold storm flags across the bottom of the sweater and the italicized font used for names and numbers — haven’t been matched. The single-flag secondary logo on the shoulder was also sharp. — Cory Lavalette
Patrick Kane in 2022. (Jamie Sabau / Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks
2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey
The 2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey, which featured a reverse placement of the black and red color scheme from the team’s 1938 uniform, was unique because the usual logo was replaced by “Chicago” across the jersey’s chest. As much as it took something from a past jersey, it was also something completely different. — Scott Powers
The Colorado Avalanche in 2001. (Elsa / Allsport via Getty Images)
Colorado Avalanche
2000-07 jerseys
They aren’t that different from the current uniforms, but bringing back the set from the 2001 Stanley Cup championship for a season would be fun. The black numbers and pants give them a different, retro vibe, and the Yeti foot on the shoulder is significantly better than the current secondary shoulder logo. — Jesse Granger
Ray Whitney in 2002. (Matthew Stockman / NHLI via Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets
2000-03 jerseys
Yeah, it’s gross. Yeah, the yellowish green stick is nauseating on a hockey sweater. But for one game in November, why not? Why not get together with the other existing expansion franchises from that wave of the league’s growth — Nashville and Minnesota — and have each club wear its inaugural kits when they play this season. I just don’t want to see it worn too often. Once is ironic and catchy. But don’t get carried away. — Aaron Portzline
Jason Robertson in 2023. (Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
Dallas Stars
2021-25 “Blackout” Skyline Green alternate jersey
I’m the wrong person to ask, because I think the Stars’ regular home greens are top two in the league (along with Winnipeg’s home blues), and every other jersey they’ve ever had kind of stinks. Everyone seems to like the throwback star-shaped ones they brought back for the playoffs, but Dallas suffered a rare first-round loss in them. Coincidence? I think not. “The Mooterus” is beloved, but only for its camp value. So, uh, the garish neon ones? I mean, toddlers probably love them, right? — Mark Lazerus
Alex DeBrincat and Moritz Seider in 2026. (Rick Osentoski / Imagn Images)
Detroit Red Wings
2025-26 centennial jersey
Realistically, the centennial jersey had a purpose, and that purpose has already been served. But would it make any sense for Detroit to keep it as an alternate? It was gorgeous and adds some sizzle while remaining faithful to the iconic winged wheel design and paying homage to the franchise’s history. That would make it a worthy candidate to stay in the rotation, even if it’s unlikely. — Max Bultman
Connor McDavid in 2016. (Codie McLachlan / Getty Images)
Edmonton Oilers
2015-17 orange jersey
It’s time to bring back the orange jerseys! It’s a gorgeous color combination and nostalgic too, as these colors were part of the WHA Oilers before the club joined the NHL. Initially, the orange look was brought back for the final season at Rexall Place, but became so popular the team didn’t phase it out until 2022. It’s unique, attractive, sells like hotcakes and looks sensational on the ice. — Allan Mitchell
Radko Gudas and Aleksander Barkov in 2022. (Joel Auerbach / Getty Images)
Florida Panthers
2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey
Panthers fans love this thing. Maybe it’s the sky blue. Maybe it’s the other throwback colors. Or maybe it’s the fact that it acts like the ultimate recruiting tool, mocking opponents in Winnipeg in February with its sunshine and palm tree. And then, a few months later, they all want to sign in Sunrise. — James Mirtle
Jimmy Carson in 1986. (Rick Stewart / Getty Images)
Los Angeles Kings
1980-88 jerseys
Black has reigned as a dominant franchise color since Wayne Gretzky arrived in 1988. It is part of their most successful period, and newer generations have grown up with that. But the purple (“Forum blue”) and gold scheme still can’t be beat. The one-off heritage jerseys were popular over the years. Even the white Reverse Retro jersey in 2022-23 with those colors as accents crushed. — Eric Stephens
Owen Nolan, Mikko Koivu and Eric Belanger in 2008. (Scott A. Schneider / Getty Images)
Minnesota Wild
2007-17 home jerseys
Described as the “Christmas tree jerseys,” some fans hated them, but I loved them — and you’re not the ones getting to choose. They were sharp, bright and unique and so much better than the green and yellow third jerseys the Wild don now. — Michael Russo
Cole Caufield in 2026. (Andrew Mordzynski / Getty Images)
Montreal Canadiens
None
Whenever the Canadiens have introduced an alternate sweater, it has backfired. During their centennial season, the Canadiens played in a series of retro sweaters from throughout their history, and eventually discontinued the practice. The baby blue Reverse Retros that served as an homage to the Montreal Expos in 2022-23 were openly hated by coach Martin St. Louis. The Canadiens sweater has remained essentially unchanged for decades. There’s a reason for that. — Arpon Basu
Shea Weber and Joel Ward in 2010. (Frederick Breedon / Getty Images)
Nashville Predators
2009-11 alternate jersey
This is the cleanest, sharpest look in franchise history, and it needs to be part of the rotation. Does the absence of gold preclude that from happening? Fine then, add a splash of gold to the logo on the front and bring them back. They’re too sweet to be forgotten. — Joseph Rexrode
Jack Hughes in 2023. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images )
New Jersey Devils
2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey
The Devils haven’t had too much jersey variance over the years — other than the “Jersey” jerseys, of course — but the 2022-23 Reverse Retros had a clean look. The homage to the Colorado Rockies colors was a good touch, but it still had the proper Devils logo and similar-enough colors. Why not mix it in for a few games every year? — Peter Baugh
Eric Fichaud in 1997. (Robert Laberge / Allsport via Getty Images)
New York Islanders
1996-98 jerseys
While the “Fisherman” jerseys are a fun throwback for fans outside of Long Island, it was a tough era in history. The 2022-23 Reverse Retro was a really fresh take on it, but it was missing one key detail: the unique wavy striping pattern with teal detailing. The 1996-98 home and away jerseys kept those elements and paired them with the classic Islanders logo. That would be a great alternate jersey to bring back. — Shayna Goldman
Henrik Lundqvist in 2018. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
New York Rangers
2018 Winter Classic jersey
You can’t go wrong with the various iterations of “Lady Liberty” jerseys, which debuted in 1996-97 and have reappeared multiple times in the years since. But the 2018 Winter Classic design is a personal favorite. The dark blue sweater with “Rangers” emblazoned diagonally across the front was both simple and familiar, while the red and white stripes around the stomach and arms gave it a little pop. I was also a fan of the “N.Y.” logo over the left breast, which added another memorable touch. — Vincent Z. Mercogliano
Ottawa Senators
1991 white Peace Tower jersey from “Bring Back the Senators” campaign
Senators fans, I hear you. The “Senagoth” logo, worn mainly during the 2000s, should be back. My honorable mention goes to the 2000-07 “Senagoth” red and black alternates. But I want to go off the wall. These jerseys were used as part of the campaign to have hockey return to the Canadian capital. Would be a really fun way to commemorate the Senators’ 35th anniversary in 2027, just saying! — Julian McKenzie
Alexei Zhitnik in 2006. (Len Redkoles / Getty Images)
Philadelphia Flyers
1997-07 black jersey
It feels like many fans associate this jersey with the last sustained run of success by the franchise in the late 1990s, when Eric Lindros was still one of the top players in the league. Further, the most recent version of a Flyers black sweater was just plain ugly. That one fortunately didn’t make any appearances in the 2025-26 season, so it would seem there’s an opening to bring something more resembling this one back to life. — Kevin Kurz
Gary Inness in 1974. (Denis Brodeur / NHLI via Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Penguins
1972-77 blue jersey
They were a beautiful shade of blue and still featured the black and gold Penguins logo on the chest. The Penguins haven’t worn their blue uniforms in more than a decade, and it might be time to bring them back. — Josh Yohe
Patrick Marleau in 1997. (Robert Laberge / Allsport via Getty Images)
San Jose Sharks
1991-98 teal jersey
I’m a fan of their current threads; all teal might be off-putting to some, but they are “Team Teal” and have been since the beginning. So if there is one worth bringing back, it should be the original that’s a different shade from what’s worn now. I’ve got to give it to the Sharks: they really haven’t had a truly awful sweater. What should also return is a Brian Hayward shark teeth mask as a tribute to the former goalie. — Eric Stephens
Tye Kartye, Jamie Oleksiak and Will Borgen in 2024. (Steven Bisig / USA Today)
Seattle Kraken
2024 Winter Classic jersey
Easily the best sweater in team history, the striped Metropolitans jersey the Kraken wore at the Seattle-hosted Winter Classic in 2024 is an all-timer. One of the coolest overall NHL jerseys of the past decade. — Thomas Drance
Vladimir Tarasenko in 2017. (Jasen Vinlove / USA Today)
St. Louis Blues
1967-73 inaugural jersey/2017 Winter Classic jersey
In the case of the Blues, the jersey fans wanted back did make a comeback, so this pick is more of a plea to keep it. As an expansion team, St. Louis debuted its light blue look in 1967-68 and wore a version of it (with some tweaks) for about five seasons. It was reintroduced as a Winter Classic uniform in 2017, and the response was so overwhelming that the organization brought it back on a full-time basis in 2025-26. The home and away collection features the light blue jersey at home and a clean white look on the road. — Jeremy Rutherford
Martin St. Louis in 2004. (Gary Bogdon / Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning
2001-07 black jersey
While the Lightning’s alternate from the late ’90s was fun, we saw a recent spin-off of that with the 2022-23 Reverse Retro. The 2026 Stadium Series jersey had some promise, too. But the best look has to be the black kits from the early 2000s. Bringing those back as a third, as a nod to the Lightning’s first championship, would be a huge win and replace their most boring alternate yet. — Shayna Goldman
Felix Potvin in 1998. (Ian Tomlinson / Allsport via Getty Images)
Toronto Maple Leafs
1997-00 jerseys
I am not a fan at all of the logo from these jerseys. It just screams corporate. I thought Brendan Shanahan did well in restoring the more historic look when he came aboard as team president. And yet, I think there would be something fun about bringing these jerseys (even with that logo) back now with then-captain Mats Sundin in the front office. — Jonas Siegel
Clayton Keller and Mikhail Sergachev in 2025. (Chris Gardner / Getty Images)
Utah Mammoth
None
The only other jersey Utah has worn other than its current threads in its short history is the black Utah Hockey Club jersey, which was painfully generic. The club will build on its jersey history with the upcoming 2027 Winter Classic. — Harman Dayal
Ilya Mikheyev and Bo Horvat in 2022. (Bob Frid / USA Today)
Vancouver Canucks
2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey
The 2022-23 Reverse Retro “Johnny Canuck” jersey is an all-timer. The navy and green color scheme is incredible and is otherwise completely absent from the visual history of this hockey team. The logo is probably the team’s best. The overall look is perfect. — Thomas Drance
William Karlsson in 2023. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
Vegas Golden Knights
2022-23 Reverse Retro jersey
The Golden Knights have only worn a total of six different jerseys in their brief existence, and these are my personal favorites. The color scheme pops, and the old-school casino font is one of the strongest connections to the city of Las Vegas featured on any of the sweaters they’ve worn. The fact that they also glow in the dark makes the pregame entrance that much more dramatic — plus they won the Stanley Cup the only season they wore these jerseys. — Jesse Granger
watch out for me, I’m about to glow 🤩#GlowKnightsGlow | #ReverseRetro pic.twitter.com/NCobDnowoh
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) November 27, 2022
Peter Bondra in 1998. (Craig Melvin / Allsport via Getty Images)
Washington Capitals
1997-00 black alternate jersey
The Capitals have mined their jersey history about as extensively as possible over the years, but they’ve yet to pull the “Capitol dome” look out of mothballs. They wore it in some form or fashion from 1997-2007, but the first version featured a pretty cool arched nameplate, so we’ll go with that. The teal “Screaming Eagle” jersey, by the way, is a pretty close second place. — Sean Gentille
Adam Lowry (left) in 2019, Connor Hellebuyck (right) in 2016. (Anne-Marie Sorvin / USA Today, Jason Halstead / Getty Images)
Winnipeg Jets
2016 and 2019 Heritage Classic jerseys
I went back and forth between the white 2016 Heritage Classic jersey and the blue 2019 Heritage Classic jersey until I realized I didn’t have to choose. Why not both? Winnipeg’s classic red and blue always look sharp and have stood the test of time. — Murat Ates
— Research courtesy of The (unofficial) NHL Uniform Database