Top 10 Best Uniforms in NHL History

In their final seasons before becoming the Carolina Hurricanes, the Whalers opted to redesign their standard uniforms. The team made green merely an accent color alongside silver, with the resulting jerseys being predominately navy blue and white. However, in keeping with a sense of tradition, their specialized W logo – complete with whale tail – was left intact while incorporating the newer colors. It’s a blend of old and new that we can respect, and one that let the team exit on a positive note.

For some teams, radical change just isn’t the way to go. Such would be the case for the Maple Leafs’ home jersey, a mostly blue shirt with a central maple leaf icon that's barely changed since 1970. Already being a popular and long-standing design, this uniform saw the reintroduction of tail stripes and leaf shoulder patches – two elements not seen in years. That, plus the overall sleekness of the Reebok Edge uniform system at play, gives the Leafs a distinct visual charm.

While the Penguins’ black jersey worn from 1995 to 1997 is quite impressive, we feel this is more notable for its simplicity. Largely white with black and Las Vegas gold sleeves, the Penguins’ current away jersey is first and foremost a color flip of their home jersey. That isn’t an issue, though. Many have noted how the iconic Penguins logo stands out more on the white uniform, acting as a key distinguishing factor. And there’s something to be said for a jersey that feels designed to be distinct while avoiding unnecessary flashiness.

More than just a callback, this is a tribute to a storied history. When picking their alternate jersey for the 2015-16 season, the Washington Capitals opted to revive their classic red uniform and have it replace their existing third jersey. Its deep red and usage of stars, as well as the tail stripes, keep the uniform rooted in both modern and classic conventions. Plus, given that the jersey hails from the 1970s, the nostalgia factor makes for a uniform that’s pleasant and subtly emotive.

The past is certainly never forgotten. Case in point: one of the Rangers’ classic uniforms, a white jersey with the team name written diagonally, was brought back as the team’s current away jersey. Its careful use of red and blue as stripe colors in particular harkens back to the uniform’s origins as an alternate jersey for the 1951-52 season. Besides being a link to the team’s history, it also serves as an effective counter to the blue home jersey and allows the team name to better stand out on its front.

With the NHL’s shift to the Reebok Edge system in 2007 came the desire to replace or rework existing uniforms. The Oilers took this opportunity to tweak parts of their classic blue-and-orange home jersey. However, the team kept the jersey’s complimentary color scheme and standard oil drop icon intact, establishing that - whatever changes may come - the Oilers are true to their roots. And quite honestly, it’s a stunning looking jersey to behold.

Black and gold – a winning combination! Not quite breaking the mold, the Bruins have stuck to their choice of a pitch-black jersey accented with gold and white stripes for many years. Some have theorized that this age-old look has endured in part because of its uniqueness, from the chosen colors themselves to the striking circular logo on display. Regardless, there’s little doubt that Boston’s home team manages to make the look work, finding a balance between being charming and implying strength.

Stark but bold, through and through. We imagine it was a surprise for many fans when, just as famed player Wayne Gretzky was joining the team in the late ‘80s, the LA Kings opted to change their uniform colors. Gold and purple gave way to black and silver, an aesthetic not unlike that of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders team. But this nuanced redesign and their different early ‘90s versions ended up influencing future uniformsto come, to say nothing of its imposing look befitting the Kings’ impressive performance during the early-to-mid 90s.

Rarely is consistency mixed with a hint of old-fashioned design so rewarding. Yet, such is the case for the Canadiens’ main uniform, which has stayed largely the same in terms of its logo and general layout since 1917. It may occasionally see minor additions or withdrawn details – such as tie-down collars – but its patented “C” logo and vibrant color scheme remain intact. More significantly, through its continued usage of red, white and blue, the jersey also acts as a source of well-earned pride for French Canadian communities that bleed the bleu, blanc et rouge.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
White Away Jersey (2013-)
San Jose Sharks
Home Jersey (2007-)
Detroit Red Wings
Home Jersey (2008-)
Philadelphia Flyers
Home/Away Jersey (1993-2006)
Anaheim Ducks
Original Jerseys (1980-94)
Calgary Flames

Ah, the majesty of a team who found a winning uniform and stayed loyal to it. While some sports franchises like the NFL’s Washington Redskins have come under attack, the Chicago Blackhawks have still been able to adhere to the home jersey design established in 1955: a red uniform, some tail and sleeve stripes in black and white and a Native American's head as the logo, which the squad has stated honors a real person from the early 19th century named Black Hawk. Yet despite being an old look, it stands out magnificently in play and is unforgettable inappearance. The fact that this jersey design was voted among the best in professional sports by GQ in 2004 is a testament to its enduring legacy.

Do you agree with our list? What do you think are the best uniforms in NHL history? For more historical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.