Get ready for a thrilling journey through the world of NHL alternate jerseys! We're about to dive into the top picks for the 2025-26 season, and trust me, these uniforms will leave you buzzing with excitement.
The Athletic's Ultimate Guide to NHL Alternate Jerseys: Unveiling the Best of the Best
Every year, NHL teams showcase their creativity with unique jersey designs, and this season is no exception. Our experts at The Athletic, Sean Gentille, Shayna Goldman, and Julian McKenzie, have ranked the best alternate jerseys so far, and we're here to break it down for you.
1. Detroit Red Wings: A Majestic Red Revolution
The Red Wings have pulled out all the stops with their alternate jersey, and it's a sight to behold. Sean, Shayna, and Julian all agree that this jersey is a masterpiece. With its iconic red, vintage font, and attention to detail, it's a perfect 10. But here's where it gets controversial: Sean admits to being prepared to hate on it due to the team's history with alternate jerseys, but the unique numeric font won him over. Julian suggests that this design could set a new standard for other teams to follow.
2. Seattle Kraken: Glowing with Menace
The Seattle Kraken has captivated fans once again with their third jersey, which literally glows in the dark! Julian is particularly impressed, imagining the excitement of seeing the glowing 'S' logo just before puck drop. However, the red on the arms divides opinions. Shayna finds the black jersey interesting and unique, but the red stripes could have been stitched instead of printed. Sean, a defender of bold looks, is all for it, praising Seattle for their fresh approach.
3. Washington Capitals: A Modern Twist on a Classic
The Capitals have a knack for creating sick alternates, and this year's design is no exception. Shayna loves the modern take on the classic screaming eagle logo, especially the horizontal stripes that give the logo space to shine. Julian prays for the return of the screaming eagle as the main logo, and Sean agrees, suggesting that when Alex Ovechkin retires, it might be time for a change.
4. Minnesota Wild: Honoring the Originals with Style
The Minnesota Wild has a sleeper status when it comes to their jerseys, but this throwback alternate is a hit. Sean, Julian, and Shayna appreciate the well-executed design, especially the use of gold and green, which are underutilized colors in the league. Shayna highlights how the team has mastered the art of using gold effectively.
5. San Jose Sharks: Retro Vibes with a Modern Twist
The San Jose Sharks have set a high bar with their iconic look, and this alternate jersey almost reaches perfection. Shayna admires the retro vibe and the fin-like detailing, but she's a bit underwhelmed compared to the team's other great kits. Sean, a Sharks bias, agrees, finding the dated black armpit fins charming.
6. Los Angeles Kings: Our Crown, Our Pride
The Los Angeles Kings have surprised fans with their alternate jersey, a sleek black and silver design. Julian suggests that while the purple and gold could have made a comeback, the black and silver scheme is hard to beat. Shayna loves the clean look, but the metallic fabric and the chrome helmets could have been more consistent. Sean appreciates the effort, especially the matching gloss level on the paint.
7. New York Rangers: A Centennial Celebration
The New York Rangers' alternate jersey for their centennial season is a topic of discussion. Julian finds it underwhelming, expecting something bolder and more majestic from such an iconic team. Sean compares it to Captain America's costume, while Shayna likes the lighter blue but finds the neckline a bit off-putting.
8. Edmonton Oilers: A Vintage Vibe with a Modern Twist
The Edmonton Oilers' alternate jersey has received mixed reviews, but Shayna is a fan. She loves the vintage feel with the cream, blue, and orange color scheme. The scripted logo is a hit, but the font on the back and numbers could have matched the heritage styling. Julian disagrees, finding the font and the cream base appealing.
9. Pittsburgh Penguins: A Golden Tribute
The Pittsburgh Penguins' gold alternate jersey is a nod to their past, but it's not without its critics. Sean and Shayna find it underwhelming, especially compared to the team's previous gold sets. Shayna suggests going back to the Robo Penguin logo or trying something more inventive. Julian, however, finds the jersey fun and not a flop.
10. Ottawa Senators: Ignite the Red, but Keep it Simple
The Ottawa Senators' red alternate jersey is a straightforward design, which some find boring. Julian prefers the pre-expansion jerseys as an alternate, especially for the team's 30th anniversary celebration. Sean and Shayna agree that the red and gold combination could have been executed better, leaving room for improvement.
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to the best NHL alternate jerseys of the 2025-26 season. Which team's jersey design impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments! Are you a fan of bold, innovative designs, or do you prefer the classics? We'd love to hear your thoughts and spark a discussion on the art of jersey design!
