National Hockey League

NHL Jersey Rankings: Adidas Update, Worst to Best

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:16 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Matt Duscharme/FanSided via Puck Prose

NHL Jersey Rankings: All 31 NHL Teams Received Full On Jersey Upgrades Tuesday Night, and Also the First Appearance of the Vegas Golden Knights. But Who Has the Best? Well, We're Counting Them Down for You!

Once Adidas was brought in as the new brand to the NHL for gear we all knew they were going to tweak a few jerseys. But a total of 13 has seen change while the rest got a few minor stitching upgrades. However, one team received their very first NHL jersey ever. Of course we're talking about the Vegas Golden Knights and to be honest, they look okay.

Since the NHL started every team has received jersey upgrades over the years. With 2007-08 being the most recent when Reebok brought in the Edge System during the 2007 All-Star Game. Now in 2017-18, the NHL has once again upgraded. So here are the worst to best-ranked jerseys that were released Tuesday night.

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Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) reacts as the officials rule that a goal was disallowed due to the whistle having blown during the second period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville had absolutely brilliant jerseys last season, after years of their hideous initial jersey we were given the gold and blue that gave us some nice lines down the sides and shoulders.

Also, the pure blue stripe at the bottom was a nice touch as well as the collar. Now with the new Adidas update, they have taken a huge step back. And while some people will say it's plainer and more simple, it's just too plain but they did keep the nice blue patches at the bottom and bottom of the sleeves as well as the signature piano keys in the collar.

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Mar 21, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Brady Austin (67) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo has sported the same jersey look quite some time now, albeit a logo change a few years back. Other than that their jersey has remained much of the same and after the Adidas update, it still does.

Next: 29. New York Islanders

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Apr 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) defends the goal against Ottawa Senators in the third period at Barclays Center. Islanders win 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports

While the Islanders still sport a jersey that looks nearly identical to last season's, there are a few minor changes. For instance, the NHL logo on the front under the laces is now gone and placed on top of the jersey around the new collar, which is both orange and blue while last years was just orange.

But other than that nothing has really changed which is why they are 29th on the list. The design has been nice there's no doubt about that but a little more striping at the bottom could have really made it pop. But it's still nicer than their black third jersey which won't be worn next season thank god.

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Apr 18, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) watches the face-off against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Like the Islanders, the Sharks also moved their NHL crest from under the laces to on top of the jersey above the laces. And while the overall look of the jersey still remains the same, the three stripes on the sleeves and the blank bottom.

Next: 27. Tampa Bay Lightning

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Mar 27, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Yanni Gourde (65) celebrates with goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) after scoring the game winning goal during overtime against the Chicago Blackhawks at Amalie Arena. The Lightning won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Now I myself was never a fan of the old Lightning jerseys with the massive logo with the black, white, and blue colors. However, when the new jersey was released years ago I was pretty excited even though it was extremely close to Toronto's and kinda threw things off if you took a quick glance at the game and then the scoreboard.

Next: 26. Vancouver Canucks

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Mar 9, 2017; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Troy Stecher (51) celebrates his goal against New York Islanders goaltender Thomas Greiss (not pictured) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The New York Islanders won 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

What you'll notice right away is how the collar is no longer up to the neck but flat along the shoulders. What else is different with the Canucks jersey, particularly the collar area is that it's not a pure white band anymore shaped into a V.

Next: 25. Detroit Red Wings

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Xavier Ouellet (61) looks on (Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports)

Detroit's jersey is exactly the same as last years, well unless you count the slight change of the collar. The collar went from a V-like shape like Vancouver's to a more circular shape.

Next: 24. St. Louis Blues

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May 5, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Dmitrij Jaskin (23) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Now the Blues have a nice change to the lower sleeve part of their jersey, last season saw the bottom part of the sleeve a darker shade of blue than the rest. Jersey can be viewed > HERE.
Now the bottom part of the sleeve is completely black which offers a nice look with the yellow arm and waist bands. Speaking of the arm and waist bands, there are still two stripes for each with the two stripes still at the shoulders. The collar was also changed like the rest of the teams from a V shape to a circular one.

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Apr 19, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) controls the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Anaheim Ducks won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

With the Calgary jersey, you can spot a few changes almost right away. The black lines that ran down the sides of the sleeves are now gone and the outside laces are gone as well.

Next: 22. Dallas Stars

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Mar 24, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Adam Cracknell (27) in action during the game against the San Jose Sharks at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Sharks 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Stars have one of the best looking jerseys in the NHL, and Adidas seen the same since they barely touched it. The only thing the company has done was change the collar.

Next: 21. Philadelphia Flyers

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Mar 28, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Jordan Weal (40) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Flyers will be sporting a near identical look next year as they did last season. But like the rest of the teams, they did see a change around the collar.

Next: 20. Ottawa Senators

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Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) congratulates goalie Craig Anderson as they celebrate a 2-1 win (Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Now a lot of talks when it came to the Sens was that their third jersey would become their new primary, well that didn't happen. Adidas kept the same look as last season with only one minor touch. And by now it's obvious that is was the collar.

Next: 19. Winnipeg Jets

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Apr 8, 2017; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets right wing Chris Thorburn (22) and Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis (4) talk during a time out in the second period at MTS Centre. Winnipeg Jets 2-1 over Nashville Predators. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-USA TODAY Sports

The Winnipeg Jets will obviously be sporting the same jersey as last season but there will be one big difference that can be seen right away. Of years past the Jets have had a collar that was V-shaped with a thin blue line and open black laces.

Next: 18. Anaheim Ducks

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May 20, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonathan Bernier (1) allows a goal scored by Nashville Predators center Colin Wilson (33) during the second period in game five of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim has had one of the sharpest looking jerseys for years now, and thankfully Adidas didn't really touch it. The side stripes are still there but seem to have been thinned down and of course, the collar has changed as well. Last season the jersey sported a collar with that was V-shaped with white inner laces with the NHL crest logo underneath on an orange background.

Next: 17. New York Rangers

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May 9, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) reacts after giving up a goal to Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson during the second period in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Rangers will have the same jersey as last year but with a few minor touches. There NHL crest under the laces is now on top of the jersey itself with the same red background.

Next: 16. Montreal Canadiens

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Apr 20, 2017; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) during an overtime period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Last season the Canadiens jersey sported a collar that was a single white stripe that featured three lace holes in a V-neck form with the NHL crest underneath.

Next: 15. Los Angeles Kings

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Apr 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jonny Brodzinski (76) reacts during a NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames at Staples Center. The Flames defeated the Kings 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When the Kings made their third jerseys their home jerseys a few years back I myself was pretty stoked, the black and white with silver trim on the stripes just looks great. And I knew Adidas would be adding something I'm just glad they didn't change the whole thing.

Next: 14. Chicago Blackhawks

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Apr 15, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) skates with Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) defending during the first period in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Now the Blackhawks have one of the best jerseys in hockey as a whole, it's just beautiful. But a little more could have been done like a modern version of the native chief, none the less it's still nice and Adidas didn't change much.

Next: 13. Carolina Hurricanes

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Apr 8, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell (29) looks on during the game against the St. Louis Blues at PNC Arena. The Blues defeated the Hurricanes 5-4 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The older Hurricanes jerseys look much like the new Adidas rebrand, but still holds the look of last year so a fair split between old and new. And the jersey looks sharp, they received a collar upgrade like the rest of the teams where the crest now sits on top of the jersey instead if tucked in.

Next: 12. Vegas Golden Knights

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May 31, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA: General overall view of the T-Mobile Arena exterior and Toshiba Plaza on Las Vegas Blvd. on the Las Vegas strip. The facility will be the home of the NHL expansion franchise Vegas Golden Knights which will begin play during the 2017-18 season. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The first jerseys of the new franchise have appeared, and they look splendid. I myself like them a lot and they remind me of the John Scott All-Star game jerseys.

Next: 11. Pittsburgh Penguins

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Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates the victory against the Nashville Predators following the third period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

When the Pittsburgh Penguins chose to make their third jersey their new primary it was pretty awesome seeing a team go back to their glory days from the 90's to help show people the glory days are still around. And Adidas knew that as well which is why the jersey itself is virtually untouched.

Next: 10. New Jersey Devils

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Mar 28, 2017; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) makes a glove save during the third period at Prudential Center. The Jets defeated the Devils 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

New Jersey was one of the teams to get sort of a rehaul and it looks great. The collar is no longer a V-neck with a small white trim around they went for a red and black theme which fits the rest of the jersey well.

Next: 9. Columbus Blue Jackets

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Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (7) in the Columbus home (Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports)

The Blue Jackets have an extremely nice color scheme that makes for some awesome looking jerseys.

Next: 8. Boston Bruins

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Boston Bruins left wing David Pastrnak (88) in the Boston home jersey (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

Boston also has one of the nicest jerseys in the league. And thankfully Adidas didn't do too much to it. They left the three stripes on the sleeves as well as the waist and the white shoulder trim under the yellow shoulders for a nice break in color.

Next: 7. Florida Panthers

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Apr 3, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers goalie Reto Berra (20) makes a save against Montreal Canadiens left wing Artturi Lehkonen (62) in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Now when I saw these debut I wasn't really a fan but they grew on me quickly and now I love them personally and thankfully Adidas left them alone. The Panthers uniforms are sharp with the white and gold stripe running through the middle of the red jersey.

Next: 6. Washington Capitals

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates while rocking the red (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

When we got the Reebok update in 2007, Washington's jerseys became one of my favorites they ditched the old logo and the old colors and went for something new and it's paid off. Now Adidas didn't change much but if you're a fan of jerseys you'll notice it right away.

Next: 5. Toronto Maple Leafs

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Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (31) turns aside a shot against the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

A jersey that took three years to design had no significant upgrades which are awesome because it's stunningly beautiful. The only thing that changed for the blue and white was their collar. Last season they had a V-neck collar with a thick white band all the way around.

Next: 4. Arizona Coyotes

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Arizona Coyotes left wing Brendan Perlini (29) celebrates after scoring in Anaheim maroon (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

When Arizona upgraded from their old blank jerseys that resemble the new Nashville ones, I was stoked to see the news one they had done up. All of the striping with the upper sleeve being black and the lower being white with the middle separating the two with the team color is beautiful and sharp.

Next: 3. Edmonton Oilers

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May 7, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian (44) celebrates a first period goal against the Anaheim Ducks in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

When Edmonton decided to wear their third jersey as their primary jersey during their cup run last season, I had a feeling it would become the new primary and it did as they announced it during the playoffs. But with Adidas now in the fold, some minor changes were coming so what did they do?

First, they took the big blue stripe out of the waist and arms and replaced it with a much smaller one making the white pop out more. Also, they went for a new collar as well, last years was a V-neck that had orange and blue trim around it with the NHL logo sitting on an orange background. Now the collar is all white to pop out on the blue shoulders with the NHL crest sitting on the blue part of the chest and it looks brilliant.

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Apr 6, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) controls the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. The Wild won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Colorado definitely surprised us all going retro with their jersey update that resembles the late 90's early 00's. And with today's modern touch, it looks much, much better. The old jersey was kinda blah, it had some white lines that ran down the chest that connected to a white collar.

Now those lines run down the sleeves and are gray instead with a blue collar matching the sleeves and shoulders with the NHL logo sitting nicely in between the blue collar on the burgundy background, it truly does look quite special.

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Apr 22, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula (56) skates after the puck in the second period against the St Louis Blues in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota easily received the best update, their new home jersey is the best jersey they ever had. It brings back their inaugural look with a modern touch. The home jerseys of years past just looked horrible but this brings a brand new look and feel. The word "Minnesota" is now gone and replaced with the logo of old that sits nicely between a white stripe that connects to a white and red stripe on the sleeves.

The NHL logo which was tucked under the laces has now been pulled out and sits on top of a nice red background giving the next area a nice flash. Also, the lines that were around the shoulders are gone making for a perfect green jersey.

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