NHL JerseyWatch 2011

January Edition Reebok has released its 2011 planning catalog to retailers across North America so they can decide what merchandise to carry. And, as expected, many are rather eager to share their inside information with those dying to know what changes are coming.

Before I continue, it's important to point out that just because this information comes from Reebok doesn't make it gospel. Nothing is official until the specified team or league says so. For example, last year's early catalog for retailers suggested the Predators would have new home and road uniforms this season. That never happened. All this tells us is what's in the pipeline.

Supposedly, 11 teams are making changes in 2011. Take the following for what it's worth and keep in mind that it's all subject to revision. For each team, I've listed what's changing along with speculation on how said changes might manifest.

Atlanta Thrashers

Thrashers current third jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey Atlanta has arguably the ugliest third jersey of the Reebok era. Despite a look that merges elements from football and basketball uniforms, it gets points for originality in a market where hockey is often overlooked. But they shouldn't forget they still play hockey.

It was a surprise to hear the Thrashers are already looking to replace the alternate sweater as it was only introduced in the 2008-09 season. Makes me think sales are in the tank. So how might they make changes?

I don't want to be the one to say it, but dark blue is probably a good bet. It's the new black in terms of being a popular color for alternate uniforms. And it's certainly not maroon.

Thrashers 1999-2006 / from Getty ImagesWhat's more is the Thrashers don't have a lot of history to draw from, having been founded in 1999. But if they were to take inspiration from the past, let's not forget their original dark jersey (left) was navy.

By the way, anyone recognize the 26-year-old kid in that photo? If you guessed Marc Savard, well done. I'd forgotten he spent a few years in Atlanta before becoming a star in Boston.

Anyway, if the Thrashers' goal is to sell more jerseys, I'd sooner buy this than the weird hybrid they're currently offering. But then truthfully, I'm a Lightning fan so I'd never buy a Thrashers jersey.

But who can say if they're interested in digging up the past? They completely surprised us in 2008 with the jersey they came up with so we may be shocked again in 2011. If it is an original design, I'd count on a major element that highlights the city of Atlanta, be it a new logo or straight-up text.

Regardless, I don't see how they can do worse than their current alternate uniform. And it will be a relief to finally see this one disappear from the NHL.

Buffalo Sabres

Sabres third jersey / from NHL.comSame alternate jersey The Sabres will hang onto the alternate sweater they introduced this season as part of their 40th anniversary celebration.

Though nothing is changing, I thought it worth mentioning here as some thought perhaps the jersey would be worn only this season and then retired. In fact, it seems the royal blue will hang around at least one more year. Possibly longer.

Also, the jersey does feature the throwback Sabres logo with their founding year, 1970, set inside. This was used as the team's 40th anniversary mark but it's not specific to this year, which means it's likely to stay on the sweater.

It goes without saying, but Buffalo's home and road uniforms will also stay the same for 2011-12. Overall, this might be the best set of sweaters in the NHL. And it's all because they're paying attention to their past.

Dallas Stars

Stars current third jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey Reebok says the Stars are looking to launch a brand new third sweater. And most of us are hoping they run far away from their current look.

Dallas may have been the hardest hit by the transition to Reebok Edge in 2007. They went from having a beautiful and unique set of sweaters to some of the blandest in the league. And green almost disappeared entirely.

Currently, the Stars wear a black jersey and a white jersey, each of which simply has the word "DALLAS" arched above the sweater number — not too unlike the Thrashers' current third. They're trimmed in gold and only the white uniform has any hint of green. Their third jersey (right) is the only one with any kind of a logo on the front.

Stars 2003-2006 / from Getty ImagesNow it seems they're finally ready to advance the brand and add something new. (Let's just hope it's not a black version of the present third.) I think we're all anticipating something in green, a color that's slowly but surely returning to the NHL after an absence that went on too long.

Maybe even a new logo to go with the green? So long as they learned their lesson from the "Mooterus" (left). That lesson being, don't get too cute with your logo or it will come back to bite you.

Let's be honest, anyone who's ever opened up a sixth grade health class textbook would recognize that shape without a second look. We can all pretend it's the constellation Taurus, but no one is being fooled here. Not even Trevor Daley.

Not only that, but what's with the red? That's never been in their color scheme. And they don't need it. They already have two great colors in green and gold.

The point is, the Stars don't have a good track record with third jerseys. Keep in mind that the current road jersey was their most recent try at an alternate design. And it was terribly lacking in creativity, obviously. Maybe the next try will put an end to that streak.

Edmonton Oilers

Oilers home jersey / from NHL.comNew road jersey At last, Oilers fans can rejoice! A new white sweater is coming to Edmonton this fall.

If the Stars fared the worst in the switch to Reebok Edge jerseys in 2007, the Oilers weren't far behind. Fans had been without their true blue and orange, instead dealing with navy and copper with red trim since 1996.

In 2007, the colors stayed the same, but the jerseys were a disappointment. As with many new Reebok sweaters, there were no waist stripes. And the sleeve stripes inexplicably stopped on top of the elbow instead of wrapping completely around the arm.

Only a season later, the complaints were quelled with the introduction of a retro third jersey (right) that brought back the brightly-colored blue and orange from the '80s that most hockey fans associate with Gretzky's Cup-winning dynasty.

Oilers 1981-1996 / from Getty ImagesJust one year after that, the fan-favorite uniform got top-billing as the new home sweater. Things have been quiet on the jersey front this season. But now with a new white sweater in the works for 2011, fans should be excited.

Most likely, the new road sweater will be a white version of the current home jersey — a look we haven't seen on a regular basis since it was retired back in '96.

To remind you of what that looked like, I tracked down this shot of Mariusz Czerkawski specifically because you can see that the sleeve stripes wrap completely around the elbow. We have indeed missed that feature.

Many fans were expecting/hoping the white jersey would make its return this season, but after three consecutive seasons of uniform changes in Edmonton, the NHL probably frowned upon the notion of a fourth — even though the Islanders got away with it. And as disappointing as that may be, let's take solace in the fact that it's being rectified next season and not five years from now.

Unfortunately, however, the third jersey will not be changing. So those wanna-be stripes aren't disappearing entirely quite yet.

Now for this final paragraph, I could go off on a tangent about how we don't know anything for sure and they could come out with an entirely new design for the white jersey... but I think we all know the Oil would not dare be that reckless. Or would they?

Florida Panthers

Panthers current home & road jerseys / from NHL.comNew home & road jerseys Reebok says that Florida's piping-happy home and away sweaters are going away at the end of this season. And even a Lightning fan will admit that's a good thing. Because these are terrible.

Over the last season or two, there's been a noticeable shift away from the leaping panther logo to something more simplified — similar to what we're seeing in Nashville. The Cats' new third jersey is a great example of this.

More and more, Panthers marketing materials have featured either the third jersey logo or a paws up version of the leaping cat. It's hard to say for certain what changes are in store for the new sweaters, but there are no plans to change the third jersey at this point.

Panthers 1993-2007 / from Getty ImagesIf the Cats really want to do it right, just look back. Under the heading of you don't know what you have until it's gone, the funny thing is they're one of those teams that got it right the first time.

And even though the red jersey (left) that we'll always associate with John Vanbiesbrouck was relegated to alternate status in 2003, it's too good to disappear forever. Bring it back.

This season the Panthers are holding a few throwback nights. And while we hoped to see them in red again, these events had nothing to do with the jerseys worn on the ice.

Now that the Panthers have a navy blue jersey that actually looks good, they should hang onto it (as a third) and bring the red back. To the Panthers I say, let the Lightning be blue and reclaim your original colors.

Despite all that, however, the new third jersey does show a clear move away from red. The addition of powder blue is great as an alternate color, but I would hope they aren't looking to extract the red from their identity altogether.

Hopefully the hot Florida summer — which I no longer have to contend with (yay!) — will yield some answers. Until then, all we have is speculation.

Los Angeles Kings

Kings current third jersey / from NHL.comNew home, road & alternate jerseys Apparently the Kings intend to toss out everything and go back to the drawing board in 2011. Wow.

Actually, if I'm being honest this complete reboot wasn't entirely unforeseen. The team has been dropping hints over the past year. For example, the players opted to wear the black third jerseys throughout their 2010 playoff run. And the throwback launched this season is very popular among fans.

Not only that, but Icethetics reported in October on photos of possible jersey prototypes seen in Luc Robitaille's office at the Kings' practice facility. They are essentially white versions of the current third jersey (right).

Kings throwback jersey / from Getty ImagesSo if I had to guess, the crown logo along with the black and purple sweaters will disappear. Replacing them will be the LA shield logo along with black and white jerseys. And as for the third, obviously the purple and gold throwback is the front-runner.

And that suspicion just got a little more meat on it last night when the Kings added nameplates to those jerseys. Surnames are a league requirement on uniforms, but they got away without them for opening night against the Canucks as they were celebrating the 40th anniversary of their first meeting — which was at a time when jerseys didn't have nameplates.

So now this is a complete uniform and it looks phenomenal. Fans like it and there's no reason not to keep it around. I wouldn't be at all surprised if that's how things shake out for the Kings next season. Black and white regular unis and very colorful thirds.

Of course I could be totally wrong and they could be in the process of launching an brand new identity altogether. As I've been saying, we'll really just have to wait and see.

Nashville Predators

Predators current third jersey / from NHL.comNew home & road jerseys I'm getting the weirdest sense of déjà vu. I think we were singing this song last year.

Yes, it was the 2010 catalog in which Reebok reported we'd see new home and road uniforms for the Predators. But as we know, that never quite happened. But it appears to still be in the cards.

There's a key difference, however, from last year's report, which indicated the third jersey would be going away. That led us to believe the current third would be the new home sweater and a white version would be added for the road.

"Limited edition" jersey / from Seth WrightThen, just yesterday Icethetics readers were treated to a photo of what that jersey would've actually looked like. It was being auctioned at last night's game as a "limited edition" jersey.

Now, according to Reebok in 2011, the Preds' third jersey isn't going anywhere. That means we're likely to see brand new designs for the forthcoming home and road sweaters.

That's reinforced by the unconfirmed report from commenter Kiltimar in yesterday's post. He claims to have been part of a focus group which got a look at new jersey concepts — neither of which looked like what we see here.

Of course I'm not sure if this means the colors will change. Gold has been a trim color on the Preds' uniforms since their inception in 1998. But it may finally be time for them to let it go.

All that does seem to be clear, though, is that the current home and road uniforms are disappearing by the fall. And I, for one, won't be sorry to see them go.

New York Islanders

Isles current road jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey Reebok is indicating a brand new third jersey for the Islanders — which will probably ruin everything now that they've finally gotten it right.

This season, the Isles debuted their new white sweater (right) to match the blue throwback that's been in use since 2008. We were all relieved and overjoyed to see it.

And that's because the folks on Long Island make bad decisions when it comes to trying new things with the uniform. For this team, retro works and it always has.

Remember the "fishsticks" debacle of the mid-90s? If not, you're lucky. Fans quite literally revolted at the sight of the new sweaters and logo. So much so that the team was forced to bring back the old look not three seasons later.

Islanders 2002-2007 / from Getty ImagesThe only time the Islanders have attempted a non-retro third jersey, it was orange and featured some very bizarre design choices.

The Isles weren't part of the wacky third jersey era of the mid-90s because they were busy making wacky home and road jerseys at the time. This orange sweater (left) was launched in 2002 and if Aaron Asham looks puzzled, imagine the rest of us.

I'm all for trying new things. The orange jersey is cool. I like the blue shoulder yoke and laced collar. But what is with the odd pointy blue and white stripes in the middle? What are they meant to be pointing at exactly?

Honestly, I don't want to know.

Regardless, the only orange sweater the Isles ever wore was a failure. I say that despite its five-season run that lasted until Reebok came along in 2007. Should we, uh, thank them? Well, when you look at what they came up with for New York, the answer is a loud and clear "no!"

I'm not sure what the Islanders have in store for a third jersey in 2011. I'm just worried it's not going to be good what with their terrible track record.

New York Rangers

Rangers current third jersey / from NHL.comSame alternate jersey Like the Sabres, the New York Rangers will hang onto their anniversary sweater for at least another season.

None of the Rangers' three jerseys are changing in any way. But again, like Buffalo, I thought it worth a mention since there was the possibility the sweater would only survive for the 85th anniversary season.

The only difference between what the Rangers are wearing in 2010-11 and what they'll have in 2011-12 is the 85th anniversary shoulder patch. Obviously that will disappear following the end of this season.

Personally, I'm a bit disappointed. I, along with many of you, was hoping the Rangers would one day bring back the Lady Liberty logo and uniform. It lasted 11 years and it's arguably the best alternate jersey in the history of the NHL.

For now, though, it looks like we'll have to continue waiting for that day to come.

Ottawa Senators

Senators current third jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey Earlier I said the Thrashers may have the ugliest third jersey in the NHL. Forgot about the Senators.

Luckily, Reebok says that in 2011 the Sens will debut a brand new alternate sweater. And it can only be an improvement on what they've been wearing since 2008 (right) — which is all over the map.

So what will this new third jersey look like? We've been speculating for quite a while here on Icethetics. It started with a retro-styled concept designed by a fan that appeared in official team materials.

Then just last weekend, Ottawa's farm team in Binghamton wore the same barber-pole throwbacks that the original Senators sported in 1930s.

Senators 2000-2007 / from Getty ImagesEither of those is more likely than the Sens looking back into their own short uniform history. Among Canadians, retro is in.

Prior to the Reebok era, the team's last attempt at a third was what you see Mike Fisher wearing (left). It's probably their best alternate sweater design, and my overall favorite Senators jersey.

Their first third jersey, a red one, eventually became their standard dark sweater, from 1999 until 2007. But since their current home uniform is red, black is most likely for the new uni.

This leaves me convinced that Jacob Barrette's concept is probably on the right track. The O logo has been the club's secondary mark since 2007 and it pays tribute to the original Senators franchise. And as I said, in Canada, retro is in.

Still, while this may be what a lot us want to see, there's no telling what Ottawa will do. No one expected the SENS jersey or its odd design, but it happened.

I guess we can just hope they've learned from their mistakes and we'll see something great in 2011. They have a checkered history, but at least it's not all bad.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pens' Winter Classic jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey This should be the least surprising news in the entire post. The Pens will have a new third in 2011.

The Penguins first talked about replacing their powder blue third jersey last year. But upon the announcement they'd be participating in another Winter Classic, those plans were shelved.

The last time the Pens added a third jersey, it was borrowed directly from the 2008 Winter Classic. Now three years later, it's all but a given that history will repeat itself.

I'd be very surprised if the new uniform isn't the 2011 Winter Classic sweater (right). Chances are it's the same design they were working on last year when the idea of changing the alternate jersey first came up.

The only difference would be the lack of a Winter Classic shoulder patch. I've altered the image to represent that. It's a nice looking jersey on its own. But I do think it would be better if they used real white instead of the trendy vintage white.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning home & road jerseys / from NHL.comNew home & road jerseys This is my favorite part. According to Reebok, the Lightning will sport brand new home and road uniforms next fall!

This is news to me and while I never thought Tampa Bay's jerseys were perfect, I am surprised to hear they're changing them again after just four seasons. My guess is it has to do with the new management team. So, changes all around in the Sunshine State.

Frankly, I like the Reebok Edge uniforms better than what the Bolts wore previously. The blue is brighter and the stripes aren't quite so boring. If your team name is Lightning, you can really afford to not have bland sweater designs.

Having said that, it's a good time for a change. And I'm sure I'll be first in line to buy the new ones. I'd hope for a blue home jersey but that's probably unrealistic considering the third jersey is blue and it's not going anywhere just yet.

The only thing I expect in the new sweaters is the unique underarm striping that's been part of every Lightning uniform since their inception in 1992.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs current third jersey / from NHL.comNew alternate jersey As rumored, the Maple Leafs will be debuting a new third jersey for the 2011-12 season.

The current third jersey in its Reebok incarnation launched in 2008. Prior to that, the same design was used from 2000 to 2007. It was based on a uniform and logo the Leafs used from 1958 to 1967.

When team management has recently discussed changing the uniform with the media, they've said the plan is to borrow from their own history once again.

Leafs '70s throwbacks / from Getty ImagesA year ago, Toronto paid tribute to the 1970s as the players skated out in replica jerseys for warm-ups. They matched sweaters worn by the team from 1970 until 1992. Rumors suggest the team may look to that era for its next alternate uniform.

They look great and just different enough to distinguish themselves from the recently altered home and road jerseys. Fans always love the retro look so the Leafs would probably be wise to go this route.

Beyond that, there's not much else in the Maple Leafs' jersey history that isn't a little crazy. So unless they go with the '70s throwbacks, they'll have to come up with something completely new. And that doesn't usually work out well for them.

And I'll say it once again. We won't really know anything until next summer, fall at the latest. But the Leafs usually like to make a big deal about jersey unveilings so I'm sure we'll know when it's coming.

That wraps up the inaugural edition of NHL JerseyWatch 2011. More updates to follow.

NHL JerseyWatch 2010

October Edition The seventh update to JerseyWatch 2010 is the final part of the 2010 Icethetics Season Preview. It contains everything you need to know relating to new NHL jerseys set to debut in the 2010-11 season. Some information from Reebok is based on planning documents sent to retailers in the spring and is subject to change. Teams are listed alphabetically.

Anaheim Ducks

New alternate jersey The Anaheim Ducks have apparently confirmed plans to launch a new third jersey for 2010-11. On June 27 at the Select-a-Seat event for season ticket holders, Ducks GM Bob Murray said the alternate uniform would be released on November 26.

Thanks to James for this information. He points out that Anaheim hosts the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks that night. He did not specify whether "released" meant the jersey would be unveiled that day or simply worn for the first time — it could be both.

Icethetics has it on good authority that the jersey will be black with the standalone "D" logo front and center on the chest. No wordmarks! The sleeve striping will be similar to that of the black jersey but with orange cuffs.

Most intriguing is the return of the classic Mighty Ducks logo inside an oval-shaped shoulder patch, recolored in orange and gold of course. In addition, the jersey features orange piping around the shoulders as well as orange, white and gold piping up and down the sides a la the Flames' jerseys.

The home and road sweaters will remain unchanged this season.

Buffalo Sabres UPDATED

New home, road & alternate jerseys The Sabres are undergoing big changes to celebrate their 40th anniversary season.

Their former third jersey — a throwback with some modern influences — will take over as the home jersey, as has long been rumored.

On Sept. 18, the Sabres officially unveiled brand road and third jerseys. As rumored, the road uniform is a white version of the new home sweater with a navy blue shoulder yoke.

The third jersey is royal blue with a vintage script that pays homage to the AHL's Buffalo Bisons, who played from 1940 to 1970. Beneath the script and set to the right side is the Sabres' 40th anniversary mark — the retro logo with 19 and 70 inside the blue circle. The design confirmed an earlier report by Icethetics.

An interesting element of this sweater is the numbers, which are vintage white with blue cross-stitching inside. The nameplate on the back will be gold with royal blue lettering.

Calgary Flames

New alternate & specialty jersey As the Flames have already announced, they will be bringing back the red retro jersey that was worn for a handful of games this season. The major difference is that it will be adapted to the Reebok Edge cut. The striping will remain unchanged.

The home and road sweaters will not change. The rumored black jersey that was previously in the works has likely either been tabled for a few years or scrapped entirely. We may never know. Unless Flames president Ken King gets chatty.

Flames players model Heritage jerseyOn August 4, the NHL announced that the Calgary Flames would host the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 Heritage Classic, an outdoor game to be played at McMahon Stadium on February 20.

The Flames used the opportunity to unveil a specially-designed sweater for the event. It pays tribute to the Calgary Tigers, the city's original pro hockey club in the 1920s.

The deep red- and gold-striped sweaters will be worn with vintage-style beige pants and canvas-colored gloves. The Flames worked with Reebok to create the unique look.

Columbus Blue Jackets

New alternate jersey & anniversary patch The Blue Jackets have not made an official announcement, but the Columbus Dispatch confirmed earlier this month that a new third jersey is in development and will be used in the 2010-11 campaign.

This is corroborated by Reebok. According to the newspaper, a cannon will be the central feature of the crest on the new uniform. The jersey will be publicly unveiled in November 2010.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets unveiled their 10th anniversary logo on June 22. It will be worn as a patch on the front of the right shoulder of each player's sweater.

Dallas Stars

Road & alternate jerseys swapped Reebok confirms that the Stars will officially switch their road and alternate jerseys next season. Both jerseys are white. Currently, the third is a white version of the home jersey, which features DALLAS arched above the sweater number.

As of the fall, the white DALLAS jersey will become the primary road sweater. The one crested with the Stars' primary logo will become the alternate.

Los Angeles Kings

New specialty jersey Rich Hammond, a blogger affiliated with the Kings' official website, stated on April 27 that the team will don purple-and-gold throwback uniforms for at least one game, and as many as four, next season.

Specifics about the actual design of the jersey were not discussed.

Hammond said the sweater would be worn against the Vancouver Canucks and referenced their 40th anniversary. So what is the significance of the Kings in Canucks history? Vancouver played its first ever game against Los Angeles on Oct. 9 1970. The clubs will open the season together exactly 40 years to the day on Oct. 9, 2010.

To lend further credence to this rumor, the Kings gave a throwback gold-and-purple jersey to first round pick Derek Forbort at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, which they hosted on June 25.

Minnesota Wild

New anniversary patch The Wild recently unveiled their new 10th anniversary logo. The team announced it will be worn as a patch on the upper right shoulder of all three jerseys throughout the season, except for their first two games which will take place in Finland.

Aside from the new patch, none of the three uniforms are expected to be changed.

Montreal Canadiens

New specialty jersey On August 4, the NHL announced that the Montreal Canadiens would face the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium for the 2011 Heritage Classic on February 20.

At the press conference, the Canadiens unveiled the white sweater they will wear for the game. It's the same jersey "worn for home games between 1974-75 and 1995-96," according to the club's website.

It differs from their current road jersey only in the number and nameplate stylings. A traditional block text will be used and white inner-stroke on the numbers is removed. The striping is unchanged.

Nashville Predators UPDATED

No changes Planning documents that Reebok sent out to retailers this past spring indicated new home and road sweaters for the 2010-11 season. Icethetics has since learned that any plans to change the uniforms will not happen until 2011-12 at the earliest.

It's anticipated the Predators will promote their third jersey to home and add a white version of it for the road. The change would also include a simplified color scheme for the logo, meaning no more orange and gold.

The Predators will not be making any changes to their logos or uniforms this season.

New Jersey Devils

Specialty jersey returns Last season, the Devils wore a red-and-green retro sweater for one game only on St. Patrick's Day. Originally believed to be a one-time occasion, new information suggests the Devils may have plans to make it a yearly tradition.

Fire & Ice blogger Tom Gulitti reports that the Devils have been promoting "retro night" inside season ticket packages. The game is set for March 18, 2011, the day after St. Patrick's Day, when the Devils host the Washington Capitals.

The Devils have not said anything publicly about the throwback jersey returning and this would not be considered and alternate jersey. Home and road uniforms will not change.

New York Islanders

Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyNew home & road jerseys On June 25, the Islanders unveiled their new road jersey to fans at a draft day party. It is a white version of the current blue third jersey. The new sweater was also given to draftees at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Trevor Gillies were on hand at the Draft Party to model the new jerseys to fans.

Additionally, the Islanders' previous third jersey will now officially be the team's home sweater.

No word yet on whether the old navy blue home jersey will be switched to alternate status or if it will go away entirely, leaving the Isles without a third uniform.

New York Rangers UPDATED

New alternate jersey Reebok verified the Rangers would wear an alternate jersey this season.

We then got our first look at it when it was leaked online via Sean Avery's official website.

The new retro-style sweater is navy blue with NEW YORK emblazoned in red, diagonal text down the front. However, it's not the typeface we're used to seeing on the Rangers. It's more of a "retro" font, similar to what the team wore in the 1930s and 40s.

In addition, there is a thick red stripe that wraps around the sleeves and bottom of the jersey, bordered in thinner vintage white stripes. The collar is vintage white with vintage white laces and the little Reebok triangle is red.

The Rangers are celebrating their 85th anniversary this season, hence the throwback look. For the record, Rangers blogger Greg Caggiano was first with the details back in March that the jersey would read New York across the chest.

The team's home and road sweaters will not change this season.

Philadelphia Flyers UPDATED

New road jersey The Flyers will don new road threads for the 2010-11 campaign.

In fact they aren't really new; the new road sweater is the retro white jersey that debuted at the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston. It was officially unveiled on Sept. 17 and Mike Richards was on hand to model it.

The Flyers have worn the jersey on at least one occasion in front of the home crowd since the outdoor game at Fenway Park. Their home and alternate jerseys will remain unchanged.

Pittsburgh Penguins

New specialty jersey In March, Reebok noted that the Penguins would ditch their powder blue thirds in favor of a new alternate uniform for 2010-11. The manufacturer did not release any details of the design.

On July 27, the NHL announced that the Pens will host the 2011 Winter Classic, making it more likely that the powder blues will stick around as an alternate uniform for one more season. This will allow them to introduce a new sweater for the outdoor game which could later replace the current thirds.

Tribune-Review beat writer Rob Rossi said in December that blue would be returning in some fashion to the new third jersey — or perhaps Winter Classic sweater. With the Winter Classic announcement came the unveiling of the retro logo the Penguins will use on New Year's Day. It indicates the club may resurrect its original sweater from 1967, powder blue with PITTSBURGH stretched diagonally down the front.

Recently, a local retailer, House O' Hockey of Monroeville, Pa., reported that the Penguins scrapped plans to replace their current third jersey and will wear the powder blues for at least one more season. This is likely due to the Winter Classic announcement.

The home and road jerseys will stay the same.

San Jose Sharks

New anniversary patch On June 22, the Sharks unveiled five new 20th anniversary logos, one of which will be used on the uniforms for the 2010-11 season.

The mark, left, will be used a patch, sewn just below the sweater number on the left sleeve. There will also be a sticker on each player's helmet.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs unveil new 2010-11 sweatersNew home & road jerseys On June 14, the Maple Leafs unveiled their revamped home and road sweaters.

The changes, first reported by Howard Berger, included the addition of two stripes around the base of the jerseys and the veined leaf shoulder patches. Also, the jerseys now feature tie-up collars.

The retro alternate jersey will remain the same. However, this could be the last season for it, according to the National Post. Leafs COO Tom Anselmi says it could be ditched as early as 2011 in favor of a redesigned third jersey, based on another era in Toronto's hockey past. He says the team has been working with Reebok on changes but wouldn't give up any specifics.

Vancouver Canucks

Canucks unveil throwback sweaterNew specialty jersey On July 7, the Canucks unveiled a throwback sweater, based on their original uniform from 1970.

The white retro jersey features the vintage stick-in-rink logo on the front and classic block numbers on the back and sleeves. The sweaters shown in promotional photos do not feature nameplates but the the Canucks would need special permission from the NHL to omit them during games.

The throwback uniform is scheduled to be worn five times throughout the Canucks' 40th anniversary season, including opening night when they host the Los Angeles Kings.

Washington Capitals

New specialty jersey On July 28, the NHL held a press conference announcing that the Washington Capitals will participate in the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Caps displayed a retro logo that will be used for the outdoor game.

The club has also said it will unveil a special jersey for the outdoor game on October 2 at the Capitals Convention. Typically, teams look their past for design inspiration but no details have been made available as to what the Caps are planning.

NHL All-Star Game

On July 26, the NHL unveiled the logo for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game which will be hosted  by the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on January 30. Uniform designs for the game were not released and are expected at a later date.

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This information is subject to change. This post may be updated throughout the season. By the way, the Senators and Bruins were removed in this edition as we had only unconfirmed speculation to go on.

NHL JerseyWatch 2010

September Edition This is the sixth update to JerseyWatch 2010, the final edition of the summer. It contains actual facts and reasonable rumors — clearly defined — relating to new NHL jerseys and logos set to debut in the 2010-11 season. Some information from Reebok is based on planning documents sent to retailers in the spring and is subject to change. Teams are listed alphabetically.

Anaheim Ducks UPDATED

New alternate jersey The Anaheim Ducks have apparently confirmed plans to launch a new third jersey for 2010-11. On June 27 at the Select-a-Seat event for season ticket holders, Ducks GM Bob Murray said the alternate uniform would be released on November 26.

Thanks to James for this information. He points out that Anaheim hosts the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks that night. He did not specify whether "released" meant the jersey would be unveiled that day or simply worn for the first time — it could be both.

Icethetics has it on good authority that the jersey will be black with the standalone "D" logo front and center on the chest. No wordmarks! The sleeve striping will be similar to that of the black jersey but with orange cuffs.

Most intriguing is the return of the classic Mighty Ducks logo inside an oval-shaped shoulder patch, recolored in orange and gold of course. In addition, the jersey features orange piping around the shoulders as well as orange, white and gold piping up and down the sides a la the Flames' jerseys.

The home and road sweaters will remain unchanged this season.

Boston Bruins

Speculation only The Boston Bruins are not among the teams noted by Reebok as changing their uniforms for the 2010-11 season. That includes the third jersey.

However, the Bruins have worn their gold Winter Classic jerseys three times since the big event. This has led to speculation that the Bs could be pushing toward making it a new alternate in the near future.

Buffalo Sabres UPDATED

New home, road & alternate jerseys The Sabres will be undergoing big changes to celebrate their 40th anniversary season. Their current third jersey — a throwback with some modern updates — will take over as the home jersey, as has long been rumored.

Since the last edition of JerseyWatch 2010, Icethetics has learned that the Sabres will wear a new road sweater — a white version of the new home jersey. It features a navy blue shoulder yoke piped in gold and a lace-up collar. To my knowledge, there is no shoulder patch on either sweater.

We also have new details on the Sabres' new third jersey. It's royal blue and celebrates the history of Buffalo hockey with a vintage white script across the chest inspired by the old Buffalo Bisons club. Beneath the script and set to the right side is the Sabres' 40th anniversary mark — the retro logo with 19 and 70 inside the blue circle.

The striping is somewhat unusual. Both the sleeves and bottom of the sweater feature two sets of yellow double-stripes — for a total of four stripes each around the sleeves an waist, perhaps symbolic of each decade the team has existed. The collar is yellow with vintage white laces.

Not sure at the moment whether the front of the jersey will feature the sweater number. However, the numbers will be vintage white with blue cross-stitching inside, as seen in graphics displayed on the Sabres' website. The nameplate on the back will be gold with royal blue lettering.

Calgary Flames

New alternate & specialty jersey As the Flames have already announced, they will be bringing back the red retro jersey that was worn for a handful of games this season. The major difference is that it will be adapted to the Reebok Edge cut. The striping will remain unchanged.

The home and road sweaters will not change. The rumored black jersey that was previously in the works has likely either been tabled for a few years or scrapped entirely. We may never know. Unless Flames president Ken King gets chatty.

Flames players model Heritage jerseyOn August 4, the NHL announced that the Calgary Flames would host the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 Heritage Classic, an outdoor game to be played at McMahon Stadium on February 20.

The Flames used the opportunity to unveil a specially-designed sweater for the event. It pays tribute to the Calgary Tigers, the city's original pro hockey club in the 1920s.

The deep red- and gold-striped sweaters will be worn with vintage-style beige pants and canvas-colored gloves. The Flames worked with Reebok to create the unique look.

Columbus Blue Jackets

New alternate jersey & anniversary patch The Blue Jackets have not made an official announcement, but the Columbus Dispatch confirmed earlier this month that a new third jersey is in development and will be used in the 2010-11 campaign. This is corroborated by Reebok.

According to the newspaper, a cannon will be the central feature of the crest on the new uniform. The jersey will be publicly unveiled in November 2010.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets unveiled their 10th anniversary logo on June 22. It will be worn as a patch on the front of the right shoulder of each player's sweater.

Dallas Stars

Road & alternate jerseys swapped Reebok confirms that the Stars will officially switch their road and alternate jerseys next season. Both jerseys are white. Currently, the third is a white version of the home jersey, which features DALLAS arched above the sweater number.

As of the fall, the white DALLAS jersey will become the primary road sweater. The one crested with the Stars' primary logo will become the alternate.

Los Angeles Kings

New specialty jersey Rich Hammond, a blogger affiliated with the Kings' official website, stated on April 27 that the team will don purple-and-gold throwback uniforms for at least one game, and as many as four, next season. Specifics about the actual design of the jersey were not discussed.

Hammond said the sweater would be worn against the Vancouver Canucks and referenced their 40th anniversary. So what is the significance of the Kings in Canucks history? Vancouver played its first ever game against Los Angeles on Oct. 9 1970. The clubs will open the season together exactly 40 years to the day on Oct. 9, 2010.

To lend further credence to this rumor, the Kings gave a throwback gold-and-purple jersey to first round pick Derek Forbort at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, which they hosted on June 25.

Minnesota Wild

New anniversary patch The Wild recently unveiled their new 10th anniversary logo. The team announced it will be worn as a patch on the upper right shoulder of all three jerseys throughout the season, except for their first two games which will take place in Finland.

Aside from the new patch, none of the three uniforms are expected to be changed.

Montreal Canadiens

New specialty jersey On August 4, the NHL announced that the Montreal Canadiens would face the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium for the 2011 Heritage Classic on February 20.

At the press conference, the Canadiens unveiled the white sweater they will wear for the game. It's the same jersey "worn for home games between 1974-75 and 1995-96," according to the club's website.

It differs from their current road jersey only in the number and nameplate stylings. A traditional block text will be used and white inner-stroke on the numbers is removed. The striping is unchanged.

Nashville Predators

New home & road; no alternate jersey The indication from Reebok is that the Predators will turn the alternate jersey they launched this season into their new home sweater. The road sweater is listed as TBD but a safe assumption is that it will be a light version of the new dark jersey.

Because of these major changes, the Preds will not wear an alternate uniform next season.

The new home jersey (third, currently) features the same primary logo the team has used since its inception in 1998 but with a simplified color scheme — now navy, steel blue, silver and black. The gold and orange have been removed.

Also, the hats given to draftees at the 2010 Entry Draft on June 25 feature the logo on the 2009-10 third jersey, further cementing the notion that the current version of the primary mark is on its way out.

New Jersey Devils

Specialty jersey returns Last season, the Devils wore a red-and-green retro sweater for one game only on St. Patrick's Day. Originally believed to be a one-time occasion, new information suggests the Devils may have plans to make it a yearly tradition.

Fire & Ice blogger Tom Gulitti reports that the Devils have been promoting "retro night" inside season ticket packages. The game is set for March 18, 2011, the day after St. Patrick's Day, when the Devils host the Washington Capitals.

The Devils have not said anything publicly about the throwback jersey returning and this would not be considered and alternate jersey. Home and road uniforms will not change.

New York Islanders

Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyNew home & road jerseys On June 25, the Islanders unveiled their new road jersey to fans at a draft day party. It is a white version of the current blue third jersey. The new sweater was also given to draftees at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Trevor Gillies were on hand at the Draft Party to model the new jerseys to fans.

There is no official word from the team yet, but Isles blogger Chris Botta also said last year that the current retro thirds would become the new home sweater for 2010-11.

Recently, a source with the Islanders confirmed to Icethetics that the throwback royal blues will in fact be next year's home sweater.

No word yet on whether the current navy blue home jersey will be switched to alternate status or if it will go away entirely, leaving the Isles without a third uniform.

New York Rangers UPDATED

New alternate jersey Reebok verifies the news we've all been dying to hear. The Rangers will wear an alternate jersey next season. But will it be the Lady Liberty logo make her glorious return?

The answer is no. Icethetics has discovered that the Rangers will wear a navy blue third jersey, with NEW YORK emblazoned in red, diagonal text down the front. However, it's not the typeface we're used to seeing on the Rangers. It's more of a "retro" font, if you will — straight (not italic) with a vintage white stroke on the letters.

In addition, there is a thick red stripe that wraps around the sleeves and bottom of the jersey, bordered in thinner vintage white stripes. The collar is vintage white with vintage white laces and the little Reebok triangle is red.

It's not at all what we were anticipating, but it's still a very sharp jersey and very appropriate for the Rangers' 85th anniversary season. For the record, Rangers blogger Greg Caggiano was first with the details that the jersey would read New York across the chest.

The team's home and road sweaters will not change this season.

Ottawa Senators

Speculation only According to Reebok, as of February, the Senators had no plans of making any uniform changes. In addition, multiple retail sources confirm the team will in fact be keeping all three of their current jerseys going into 2010-11.

However, rumors have circulated since August regarding the possibility of a new vintage jersey being added to Ottawa's arsenal. It all started when Jacob Barrette's Heritage sweater concept began showing up in artist renderings of the new O Store at Scotiabank Place.

Another rumor was based on markdown sales, which could be more about meeting quotas than selling off existing stock to launch a new product. We'll have to wait and see what news the summer brings.

Philadelphia Flyers

New road jersey The Flyers will don new road threads for the 2010-11 campaign. While Reebok doesn't say so specifically, it is widely assumed they will wear the retro white jersey that debuted at the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston.

The Flyers have worn the jersey on at least one occasion in front of the home crowd since the outdoor game at Fenway Park. Their home and alternate jerseys will remain unchanged.

Pittsburgh Penguins

New specialty jersey In March, Reebok noted that the Penguins would ditch their powder blue thirds in favor of a new alternate uniform for 2010-11. The manufacturer did not release any details of the design.

On July 27, the NHL announced that the Pens will host the 2011 Winter Classic, making it more likely that the powder blues will stick around as an alternate uniform for one more season. This will allow them to introduce a new sweater for the outdoor game which could later replace the current thirds.

Tribune-Review beat writer Rob Rossi said in December that blue would be returning in some fashion to the new third jersey — or perhaps Winter Classic sweater. With the Winter Classic announcement came the unveiling of the retro logo the Penguins will use on New Year's Day. It indicates the club may resurrect its original sweater from 1967, powder blue with PITTSBURGH stretched diagonally down the front.

Recently, a local retailer, House O' Hockey of Monroeville, Pa., reported that the Penguins scrapped plans to replace their current third jersey and will wear the powder blues for at least one more season. This is likely due to the Winter Classic announcement.

The home and road jerseys will stay the same.

San Jose Sharks

New anniversary patch On June 22, the Sharks unveiled five new 20th anniversary logos, one of which will be used on the uniforms for the 2010-11 season.

The mark, left, will be used a patch, sewn just below the sweater number on the left sleeve. There will also be a sticker on each player's helmet.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs unveil new 2010-11 sweatersNew home & road jerseys On June 14, the Maple Leafs unveiled their revamped home and road sweaters.

The changes, first reported by Howard Berger, included the addition of two stripes around the base of the jerseys and the veined leaf shoulder patches. Also, the jerseys now feature tie-up collars.

The retro alternate jersey will remain the same. However, this could be the last season for it, according to the National Post. Leafs COO Tom Anselmi says it could be ditched as early as 2011 in favor of a redesigned third jersey, based on another era in Toronto's hockey past. He says the team has been working with Reebok on changes but wouldn't give up any specifics.

Vancouver Canucks

Canucks unveil throwback sweaterNew specialty jersey On July 7, the Canucks unveiled a throwback sweater, based on their original uniform from 1970.

The white retro jersey features the vintage stick-in-rink logo on the front and classic block numbers on the back and sleeves. The sweaters shown in promotional photos do not feature nameplates but the the Canucks would need special permission from the NHL to omit them during games.

The throwback uniform is scheduled to be worn five times throughout the Canucks' 40th anniversary season, including opening night when they host the Los Angeles Kings.

Washington Capitals

New specialty jersey On July 28, the NHL held a press conference announcing that the Washington Capitals will participate in the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Caps displayed a retro logo that will be used for the outdoor game.

The club has also said it will unveil a special jersey for the outdoor game on October 2 at the Capitals Convention. Typically, teams look their past for design inspiration but no details have been made available as to what the Caps are planning.

NHL All-Star Game

On July 26, the NHL unveiled the logo for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game which will be hosted  by the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on January 30. Uniform designs for the game were not released and are expected at a later date.

---

This information is subject to change. This post may be updated throughout the season. The next update will likely be posted in early October after the Capitals have unveiled their Winter Classic sweater.

NHL JerseyWatch 2010

August Edition This is the fifth update to JerseyWatch 2010 this summer. It contains actual facts and reasonable rumors relating to new NHL jerseys and logos set to debut in the 2010-11 season. Some information from Reebok is based on planning documents sent to retailers in the spring and is subject to change. Teams are listed alphabetically.

Anaheim Ducks

New alternate jersey The Anaheim Ducks have apparently confirmed plans to launch a new third jersey for 2010-11. On June 27 at the Select-a-Seat event for season ticket holders, Ducks GM Bob Murray said the alternate uniform would be released on November 26.

Thanks to James for this information. He points out that Anaheim hosts the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks that night. He did not specify whether "released" meant the jersey would be unveiled that day or simply worn for the first time — it could be both.

Murray did not detail any design elements so all we'd have is speculation at this point. The home and road sweaters will remain unchanged.

Boston Bruins

Speculation only The Boston Bruins are not among the teams noted by Reebok as changing their uniforms for the 2010-11 season. That includes the third jersey.

However, the Bruins have worn their gold Winter Classic jerseys three times since the big event. This has led to speculation that the Bs could be pushing toward making it a new alternate in the near future.

Buffalo Sabres

New home, road & alternate jerseys The Sabres will be undergoing big changes to celebrate their 40th anniversary season. Their current third jersey — a throwback with some modern updates — will take over as the home jersey, as has long been rumored.

Reebok lists the Sabres' road sweater as TBD, but it will most likely be a white version of the current alternates. I also understand they'll be adding an entirely new third jersey, but I'm told it may be only for the 40th anniversary season.

Sabres 2010 third jersey conceptIt will be royal blue with BUFFALO in a white script across the front, containing the vintage logo with the player's number underneath. The concept here to the right is my own rough rendering of the description I've been given. I've added the traditional striping and colors.

Obviously this jersey design isn't exact. But based on what I've been told, it's probably a good estimation. We'll have to wait until this summer to find out for sure.

Calgary Flames UPDATED

New alternate & specialty jersey As the Flames have already announced, they will be bringing back the red retro jersey that was worn for a handful of games this season. The major difference is that it will be adapted to the Reebok Edge cut. The striping will remain unchanged.

The home and road sweaters will not change. The rumored black jersey that was previously in the works has likely either been tabled for a few years or scrapped entirely. We may never know. Unless Flames president Ken King gets chatty.

Flames players model Heritage jerseyOn August 4, the NHL announced that the Calgary Flames would host the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 Heritage Classic, an outdoor game to be played at McMahon Stadium on February 20.

The Flames used the opportunity to unveil a specially-designed sweater for the event. It pays tribute to the Calgary Tigers, the city's original pro hockey club in the 1920s.

The deep red- and gold-striped sweaters will be worn with vintage-style beige pants and canvas-colored gloves. The Flames worked with Reebok to create the unique look.

Columbus Blue Jackets

New alternate jersey & anniversary patch The Blue Jackets have not made an official announcement, but the Columbus Dispatch confirmed earlier this month that a new third jersey is in development and will be used in the 2010-11 campaign. This is corroborated by Reebok.

According to the newspaper, a cannon will be the central feature of the crest on the new uniform. The jersey will be publicly unveiled in November 2010.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets unveiled their 10th anniversary logo on June 22. It will be worn as a patch on the front of the right shoulder of each player's sweater.

Dallas Stars

Road & alternate jerseys swapped Reebok confirms that the Stars will officially switch their road and alternate jerseys next season. Both jerseys are white. Currently, the third is a white version of the home jersey, which features DALLAS arched above the sweater number.

As of the fall, the white DALLAS jersey will become the primary road sweater. The one crested with the Stars' primary logo will become the alternate.

Los Angeles Kings UPDATED

New specialty jersey Rich Hammond, a blogger affiliated with the Kings' official website, stated on April 27 that the team will don purple-and-gold throwback uniforms for at least one game, and as many as four, next season. Specifics about the actual design of the jersey were not discussed.

Hammond said the sweater would be worn against the Vancouver Canucks and referenced their 40th anniversary. So what is the significance of the Kings in Canucks history? Vancouver played its first ever game against Los Angeles on Oct. 9 1970. The clubs will open the season together exactly 40 years to the day on Oct. 9, 2010.

To lend further credence to this rumor, the Kings gave a throwback gold-and-purple jersey to first round pick Derek Forbort at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, which they hosted on June 25.

Minnesota Wild

New anniversary patch The Wild recently unveiled their new 10th anniversary logo. The team announced it will be worn as a patch on the upper right shoulder of all three jerseys throughout the season, except for their first two games which will take place in Finland.

Aside from the new patch, none of the three uniforms are expected to be changed.

Montreal Canadiens ALL NEW!

New specialty jersey On August 4, the NHL announced that the Montreal Canadiens would face the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium for the 2011 Heritage Classic on February 20.

At the press conference, the Canadiens unveiled the white sweater they will wear for the game. It's the same jersey "worn for home games between 1974-75 and 1995-96," according to the club's website.

It differs from their current road jersey only in the number and nameplate stylings. A traditional block text will be used and white inner-stroke on the numbers is removed. The striping is unchanged.

Nashville Predators

New home & road; no alternate jersey The indication from Reebok is that the Predators will turn the alternate jersey they launched this season into their new home sweater. The road sweater is listed as TBD but a safe assumption is that it will be a light version of the new dark jersey.

Because of these major changes, the Preds will not wear an alternate uniform next season.

The new home jersey (third, currently) features the same primary logo the team has used since its inception in 1998 but with a simplified color scheme — now navy, steel blue, silver and black. The gold and orange have been removed.

Also, the hats given to draftees at the 2010 Entry Draft on June 25 feature the logo on the 2009-10 third jersey, further cementing the notion that the current version of the primary mark is on its way out.

New Jersey Devils ALL NEW!

Specialty jersey returns Last season, the Devils wore a red-and-green retro sweater for one game only on St. Patrick's Day. Originally believed to be a one-time occasion, new information suggests the Devils may have plans to make it a yearly tradition.

Fire & Ice blogger Tom Gulitti reports that the Devils have been promoting "retro night" inside season ticket packages. The game is set for March 18, 2011, the day after St. Patrick's Day, when the Devils host the Washington Capitals.

The Devils have not said anything publicly about the throwback jersey returning and this would not be considered and alternate jersey. Home and road uniforms will not change.

New York Islanders

Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyNew home & road jerseys On June 25, the Islanders unveiled their new road jersey to fans at a draft day party. It is a white version of the current blue third jersey. The new sweater was also given to draftees at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Trevor Gillies were on hand at the Draft Party to model the new jerseys to fans.

There is no official word from the team yet, but Isles blogger Chris Botta also said last year that the current retro thirds would become the new home sweater for 2010-11.

Recently, a source with the Islanders confirmed to Icethetics that the throwback royal blues will in fact be next year's home sweater.

No word yet on whether the current navy blue home jersey will be switched to alternate status or if it will go away entirely, leaving the Isles without a third uniform.

New York Rangers

New alternate jersey Reebok verifies the news we've all been dying to hear. The Rangers will wear an alternate jersey next season. But will it be the Lady Liberty logo make her glorious return?

Possible Rangers third?Reebok doesn't specify, however, Rangers blogger Greg Caggiano recently claimed to have the inside track on the new thirds. He says he's been told they'll be nearly identical to the current home jersey with NEW YORK replacing RANGERS across the front.

Caggiano doesn't specify a source so it could just be guessing. I think it would disappoint a lot of Rangers fans and Icethetics readers. The Rangers arguably had the best third jersey of the '90s with that Statue of Liberty logo emblazoned on the front.

Those navy blue sweaters were so popular that in 1998 the Rangers even added a white version for a short time. They were used up until 2007 when Reebok took over the league.

The Rangers previously wore a blue jersey with NEW YORK on the front from 1978 to 1987. The team's home and road sweaters will not change next season.

Ottawa Senators

Speculation only According to Reebok, as of February, the Senators had no plans of making any uniform changes. In addition, multiple retail sources confirm the team will in fact be keeping all three of their current jerseys going into 2010-11.

However, rumors have circulated since August regarding the possibility of a new vintage jersey being added to Ottawa's arsenal. It all started when Jacob Barrette's Heritage sweater concept began showing up in artist renderings of the new O Store at Scotiabank Place.

Another rumor was based on markdown sales, which could be more about meeting quotas than selling off existing stock to launch a new product. We'll have to wait and see what news the summer brings.

Philadelphia Flyers

New road jersey The Flyers will don new road threads for the 2010-11 campaign. While Reebok doesn't say so specifically, it is widely assumed they will wear the retro white jersey that debuted at the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston.

The Flyers have worn the jersey on at least one occasion in front of the home crowd since the outdoor game at Fenway Park. Their home and alternate jerseys will remain unchanged.

Pittsburgh Penguins UPDATED

New specialty jersey In March, Reebok noted that the Penguins would ditch their powder blue thirds in favor of a new alternate uniform for 2010-11. The manufacturer did not release any details of the design.

On July 27, the NHL announced that the Pens will host the 2011 Winter Classic, making it more likely that the powder blues will stick around as an alternate uniform for one more season. This will allow them to introduce a new sweater for the outdoor game which could later replace the current thirds.

Tribune-Review beat writer Rob Rossi said in December that blue would be returning in some fashion to the new third jersey — or perhaps Winter Classic sweater. With the Winter Classic announcement came the unveiling of the retro logo the Penguins will use on New Year's Day. It indicates the club may resurrect its original sweater from 1967, powder blue with PITTSBURGH stretched diagonally down the front.

Recently, a local retailer, House O' Hockey of Monroeville, Pa., reported that the Penguins scrapped plans to replace their current third jersey and will wear the powder blues for at least one more season. This is likely due to the Winter Classic announcement.

The home and road jerseys will stay the same.

San Jose Sharks

New anniversary patch On June 22, the Sharks unveiled five new 20th anniversary logos, one of which will be used on the uniforms for the 2010-11 season.

The mark, left, will be used a patch, sewn just below the sweater number on the left sleeve. There will also be a sticker on each player's helmet.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs unveil new 2010-11 sweatersNew home & road jerseys On June 14, the Maple Leafs unveiled their revamped home and road sweaters.

The changes, first reported by Howard Berger, included the addition of two stripes around the base of the jerseys and the veined leaf shoulder patches. Also, the jerseys now feature tie-up collars.

The retro alternate jersey will remain the same. However, this could be the last season for it, according to the National Post. Leafs COO Tom Anselmi says it could be ditched as early as 2011 in favor of a redesigned third jersey, based on another era in Toronto's hockey past. He says the team has been working with Reebok on changes but wouldn't give up any specifics.

Vancouver Canucks ALL NEW!

Canucks unveil throwback sweaterNew specialty jersey On July 7, the Canucks unveiled a throwback sweater, based on their original uniform from 1970.

The white retro jersey features the vintage stick-in-rink logo on the front and classic block numbers on the back and sleeves. The sweaters shown in promotional photos do not feature nameplates but the the Canucks would need special permission from the NHL to omit them during games.

The throwback uniform is scheduled to be worn five times throughout the Canucks' 40th anniversary season, including opening night when they host the Los Angeles Kings.

Washington Capitals UPDATED

New specialty jersey On July 28, the NHL held a press conference announcing that the Washington Capitals will participate in the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Caps displayed a retro logo that will be used for the outdoor game.

The club has also said it will unveil a special jersey for the outdoor game on October 2 at the Capitals Convention. Typically, teams look their past for design inspiration but no details have been made available as to what the Caps are planning.

NHL All-Star Game ALL NEW!

On July 26, the NHL unveiled the logo for the 2011 NHL All-Star Game which will be hosted  by the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh on January 30. Uniform designs for the game were not released and are expected at a later date.

---

This information is subject to change over the course of the summer and this post will continue to be updated.

New! NHL JerseyWatch 2010

June Edition This is the fourth update to JerseyWatch 2010 this summer. Everything is rumor until it becomes official but the following information is believed to be as accurate as possible. Teams are listed alphabetically. ⇒ denotes new information; ◊ denotes update.

◊ Anaheim Ducks

New alternate jersey The Anaheim Ducks have apparently confirmed plans to launch a new third jersey for 2010-11. On June 27 at the Select-a-Seat event for season ticket holders, Ducks GM Bob Murray said the alternate uniform would be released on November 26.

Thanks to James for this information. He points out that Anaheim hosts the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks that night. He did not specify whether "released" meant the jersey would be unveiled that day or simply worn for the first time — it could be both.

Murray did not detail any design elements so all we'd have is speculation at this point. The home and road sweaters will remain unchanged.

Boston Bruins

Speculation only The Boston Bruins are not among the teams noted by Reebok as changing their uniforms for the 2010-11 season. That includes the third jersey.

However, the Bruins have worn their gold Winter Classic jerseys three times since the big event. This has led to speculation that the Bs could be pushing toward making it a new alternate in the near future.

Buffalo Sabres

New home, road & alternate jerseys The Sabres will be undergoing big changes to celebrate their 40th anniversary season. Their current third jersey — a throwback with some modern updates — will take over as the home jersey, as has long been rumored.

Reebok lists the Sabres' road sweater as TBD, but it will most likely be a white version of the current alternates. I also understand they'll be adding an entirely new third jersey, but I'm told it may be only for the 40th anniversary season.

Sabres 2010 third jersey conceptIt will be royal blue with BUFFALO in a white script across the front, containing the vintage logo with the player's number underneath. The concept here to the right is my own rough rendering of the description I've been given. I've added the traditional striping and colors.

Obviously this jersey design isn't exact. But based on what I've been told, it's probably a good estimation. We'll have to wait until this summer to find out for sure.

◊ Calgary Flames

New alternate & specialty jersey As the Flames have already announced, they will be bringing back the red retro jersey that was worn for a handful of games this season. The major difference is that it will be adapted to the Reebok Edge cut. The striping will remain as is.

The home and road sweaters will not change. The rumored black jersey that was previously in the works has likely either been tabled for a few years or scrapped entirely. We may never know. Unless Flames president Ken King gets chatty.

On June 22, the NHL confirmed that the Calgary Flames would host the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 Heritage Classic, an outdoor game to be played at McMahon Stadium on February 20. Shortly before the announcement, King said that a special "heritage uniform" was in the works for this game, and that it "will be tied to the history of Calgary long before the Flames arrived."

◊ Columbus Blue Jackets

New alternate jersey & anniversary patch The Blue Jackets have not made an official announcement, but the Columbus Dispatch confirmed earlier this month that a new third jersey is in development and will be used in the 2010-11 campaign. This is corroborated by Reebok.

According to the newspaper, a cannon will be the central feature of the crest on the new uniform. The jersey will be publicly unveiled in November 2010.

Additionally, the Blue Jackets unveiled their 10th anniversary logo on June 22. It will be worn as a patch on the front of the right shoulder of each player's sweater.

Dallas Stars

Road & alternate jerseys swapped Reebok confirms that the Stars will officially switch their road and alternate jerseys next season. Both jerseys are white. Currently, the third is a white version of the home jersey, which features DALLAS arched above the sweater number.

As of the fall, the white DALLAS jersey will become the primary road sweater. The one crested with the Stars' primary logo will become the alternate.

◊ Los Angeles Kings

New specialty jersey Rich Hammond, a blogger affiliated with the Kings' official website, recently stated that the team will don purple-and-gold throwback uniforms for at least one game, and as many as four, next season. Specifics about the actual design of the jersey were not discussed.

Hammond said the sweater would be worn against the Vancouver Canucks and referenced their 40th anniversary. So what is the significance of the Kings in Canucks history? Many have speculated that it has to do with Vancouver playing its first ever game against Los Angeles in 1970.

To lend further credence to this rumor, the Kings gave a throwback gold-and-purple jersey to first round pick Derek Forbort at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, which they hosted on June 25.

Minnesota Wild

New anniversary patch The Wild recently unveiled their new 10th anniversary logo. The team announced it will be worn as a patch on the upper right shoulder of all three jerseys throughout the season, except for their first two games which will take place in Finland.

Aside from the new patch, none of the three uniforms are expected to be changed.

⇒ Montreal Canadiens

New specialty jersey (speculation) On June 22, the NHL confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens would face the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium for the 2011 Heritage Classic on February 20.

While the Habs have made no official statement regarding uniforms, teams typically tend to design special sweaters to commemorate an event like this. The team has worn four unique throwback jerseys in the last two seasons to commemorate their 100th anniversary.

Would they recycle one of these designs, come up with something entirely new, or simply wear their current uniforms? We have only speculation at this point.

◊ Nashville Predators

New home & road; no alternate jersey The indication from Reebok is that the Predators will turn the alternate jersey they launched this season into their new home sweater. The road sweater is listed as TBD but a safe assumption is that it will be a light version of the new dark jersey.

Because of these major changes, the Preds will not wear an alternate uniform next season.

The new home jersey (third, currently) features the same primary logo the team has used since its inception in 1998 but with a simplified color scheme — now navy, steel blue, silver and black. The gold and orange have been removed.

Also, the hats given to draftees at the 2010 Entry Draft on June 25 feature the logo on the 2009-10 third jersey, further cementing the notion that the current version of the primary mark is on its way out.

◊ New York Islanders

Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyNew home & road jerseys On June 25, the Islanders unveiled their new road jersey to fans at a draft day party. It is a white version of the current blue third jersey. The new sweater was also given to draftees at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

John Tavares, Matt Moulson and Trevor Gillies were on hand at the Draft Party to model the new jerseys to fans.

There is no official word from the team yet, but Isles blogger Chris Botta also said last year that the current retro thirds would become the new home sweater for 2010-11.

Recently, a source with the Islanders confirmed to Icethetics that the throwback royal blues will in fact be next year's home sweater.

No word yet on whether the current navy blue home jersey will be switched to alternate status or if it will go away entirely, leaving the Isles without a third uniform.

New York Rangers

New alternate jersey Reebok verifies the news we've all been dying to hear. The Rangers will wear an alternate jersey next season. But will it be the Lady Liberty logo make her glorious return?

Possible Rangers third?Reebok doesn't specify, however, Rangers blogger Greg Caggiano recently claimed to have the inside track on the new thirds. He says he's been told they'll be nearly identical to the current home jersey with NEW YORK replacing RANGERS across the front.

Caggiano doesn't specify a source so it could just be guessing. I think it would disappoint a lot of Rangers fans and Icethetics readers. The Rangers arguably had the best third jersey of the '90s with that Statue of Liberty logo emblazoned on the front.

Those navy blue sweaters were so popular that in 1998 the Rangers even added a white version for a short time. They were used up until 2007 when Reebok took over the league.

The Rangers previously wore a blue jersey with NEW YORK on the front from 1978 to 1987. The team's home and road sweaters will not change next season.

Ottawa Senators

Speculation only According to Reebok, as of February, the Senators had no plans of making any uniform changes. In addition, multiple retail sources confirm the team will in fact be keeping all three of their current jerseys going into 2010-11.

However, rumors have circulated since August regarding the possibility of a new vintage jersey being added to Ottawa's arsenal. It all started when Jacob Barrette's Heritage sweater concept began showing up in artist renderings of the new O Store at Scotiabank Place.

Another rumor was based on markdown sales, which could be more about meeting quotas than selling off existing stock to launch a new product. We'll have to wait and see what news the summer brings.

Philadelphia Flyers

New road jersey The Flyers will don new road threads for the 2010-11 campaign. While Reebok doesn't say so specifically, it is widely assumed they will wear the retro white jersey that debuted at the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston.

The Flyers have worn the jersey on at least one occasion in front of the home crowd since the outdoor game at Fenway Park. Their home and alternate jerseys will remain unchanged.

◊ Pittsburgh Penguins

New alternate/specialty jersey It was  widely rumored and confirmed by Reebok in March that the Penguins would ditch their powder blue thirds in favor of a new alternate uniform for 2010-11. The manufacturer did not release any details of the design.

Now, with the news that the Pens will host the 2011 Winter Classic, it seems more likely that the powder blues will stick around as a third for one more season. This will allow them to introduce a new sweater for the outdoor game which could later replace the powder blues.

Tribune-Review beat writer Rob Rossi said in December that blue would be returning in some fashion to the new third jersey — or perhaps Winter Classic sweater? It's probably a safe bet that the Pens will dig into their past once again for this one — likely going with one of the darker blue options.

Recently, a local retailer, House O' Hockey of Monroeville, Pa., reported that the Penguins scrapped plans to replace their current third jersey and will wear the powder blues for at least one more season. This is likely due to the Winter Classic announcement.

The home and road jerseys will stay the same.

⇒ San Jose Sharks

New anniversary patch On June 22, the Sharks unveiled five new 20th anniversary logos, one of which will be used on the uniforms for the 2010-11 season.

The mark, left, will be used a patch, sewn just below the sweater number on the left sleeve. There will also be a sticker on each player's helmet.

◊ Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs unveil new 2010-11 sweatersNew home & road jerseys On June 14, the Maple Leafs unveiled their revamped home and road sweaters.

The changes, first reported by Howard Berger, included the addition of two stripes around the base of the jerseys and the veined leaf shoulder patches. Also, the jerseys now feature tie-up collars.

The retro alternate jersey will remain the same. However, this could be the last season for it, according to the National Post. Leafs COO Tom Anselmi says it could be ditched as early as 2011 in favor of a redesigned third jersey, based on another era in Toronto's hockey past. He says the team has been working with Reebok on changes but wouldn't give up any specifics.

Vancouver Canucks

Speculation only Last month, word from Reebok was the Canucks had no plans of changing their uniforms for their 40th anniversary. Now retail sources are reporting plans are in development for a special vintage sweater.

It's been suggested the Canucks would follow in the footsteps of the Flames, wearing a special throwback sweater for a handful of games during the regular season. This jersey would likely be a replica of the one worn in 1970, the team's debut season, with the vintage stick-in-the-rink logo.

⇒ Washington Capitals

New specialty jersey On May 28, the NHL announced that the Washington Capitals will participate in the 2011 Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The team has said that it will unveil a special jersey for the outdoor game on October 2 at the Capitals Convention. Typically, teams look their past for design inspiration but no details have been made available as to what the Caps are planning.

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This information is subject to change over the course of the summer and this post will continue to be updated.

Update on Friday · Jul 9 · 2010 | 9:28 AM PDT by Chris

The Canucks unveiled their 40th anniversary throwback sweater on July 7. It will be worn on five special occasions during the season, including opening night. Stay tuned for the July edition of NHL JerseyWatch 2010 for more information.