14 worst NHL jerseys ever worn ranked from tolerable to downright ugly
The NHL has been around for over 100 years at this point.
During that time, the league has seen more than a few iconic jersey designs cross its path. Most of the NHL’s most cherished designs come from the Original Six franchises, with all of the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs owning timeless designs that have remained relatively unchanged over the decades.
Even teams that joined the league later, like the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, or San Jose Sharks, have been lauded for their jersey designs. But what about the other side of the spectrum?
There may be just as many, if not more, NHL designs that simply missed the mark entirely. Jerseys that were meant to push the limits of what an NHL uniform could look like, only to wind up looking plain ugly.
The history of NHL jersey miscues is vast, but we were able to condense it into a list of the 14 worst to ever make it onto the ice, ranked from tolerable to downright ugly…
14. Dallas Stars “Mooterus” jersey (2003-2006)
Nothing is inherently wrong with this jersey, except for the logo. There is a reason why it’s been nicknamed the “Mooterus” and lives in infamy to this day.
13. Tampa Bay Lightning “Storm” jersey (1996-1999)
Points to the Tampa Bay Lightning for getting creative, but there was way too much going on in this jersey.
12. New York Islanders orange alt (2oo2-2007)
An orange New York Islanders jersey isn’t a bad idea. Having two awkward spikes jutting out from each side of the torso, however, was.
11. Detroit Red Wings reverse retro 1.0 (2021)
The Detroit Red Wings have an iconic brand, but this may be the most boring, uninspired jersey in NHL history.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning black alt (2019-2022)
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Lightning fans had been clamouring for a black alternate when this one was released. What they got was the most basic iteration of that. Literally left the page blank and called it a day.
9. Calgary Flames Heritage Classic jersey (2011)
This one would have been better if the Calgary Flames were sponsored by McDonald’s at the time.
8. LA “Burger” KingsĀ jersey (1995-1996)
The 1990s were a wild time for jerseys in the NHL, and the LA Kings got a bit too ambitious. A Burger King-esque logo AND an unnecessary, awkward gradient sash?
7. Dallas Stars “NFL-style” jerseys (2011-2013)
We know Texans love their football, but that look does not transition onto a hockey jersey too well. Can’t even tell they’re called the Stars. Snoozfest.
6. Anaheim Ducks “mascot” jersey (1995-1996)
The 1990s, right? Can’t say the team mascot breaking out of ice while also wearing the team’s jersey makes for a great crest. Way too busy and just plain weird.
5. New York Islanders black alt (2011-2014)
Wordmark jerseys always look out of place, as does the number on the front. Add that into a wild colourway that relies far too much on grey, and you get an eyesore of epic proportions.
4. Atlanta Thrashers “NFL-style” jersey (2008-2011)
The Atlanta Thrashers saw others fail to pull off the football-esque look and decided that they could design an even uglier rendition.
3. Buffalo Sabres yellow alt (2013-2015)
Absolutely nothing works for this Buffalo Sabres jersey. It’s all bad and hurts to look at. How this ever got past the drawing board is a mystery.
2. Vancouver Canucks “Flying V” jerseys (1978-1985)
If the Canucks were graduating from high school, this look would make sense. Too bad they’re a professional NHL team.
1. Montreal Canadiens barber pole (2009-2010)
icethetics
No NHL jersey has induced more headaches to look at than this Montreal Canadiens centennial jersey. Just truly in a class of its own.