As the 2011-12 season dawns, Atlanta's second stint in the NHL ends as the Thrashers are sold and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba for that city's second chance with a team. They are also named the Winnipeg Jets just like their predecessor, which is still in Phoenix.

Elsewhere, the Tampa Bay Lightning are rebranded with new logos and uniforms. The Nashville Predators implement a simplified version of their primary logo and a color palette that relies more on gold. And the Los Angeles Kings change their uniforms, promoting their alternate logo to primary mark. Additionally, the Florida Panthers bring back their red sweaters, warranting an update to their map icon.

In 2010, retro was all the rage. Three teams changed their logos and/or color palettes to match something from a previous era. The Buffalo Sabres ended 15 years of identity struggles by changing their primary logo to a modernized version of the crest they debuted with in 1970. The Edmonton Oilers bowed to fan pressure to bring back the orange and drop the red trim. And the New York Islanders also went back to their original shades of blue and orange.

In 2007, the NHL enters into a contract with Reebok which sees the jersey manufacturer implement a new uniform system across the league. Most teams take the opportunity to redesign their uniforms in some manner and seven clubs debut new logos. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks, and Columbus Blue Jackets each have new primary marks.

In 2006, the Buffalo Sabres and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim both undergo sweeping brand changes in anticipation of Reebok's league-wide uniform overhaul. The Sabres bring back the classic blue and gold color scheme, albeit along with a logo that is widely panned by fans, who refer to it as the "Buffaslug." The Mighty Ducks drop "Mighty" from their name to become the Anaheim Ducks. They introduce a brand new logo and palette. Gone are jade and eggplant in favor of black, orange and bronze. 

With Wayne Gretzky now in the front office, the Phoenix Coyotes introduce a new logo and simplified color scheme in 2003. Elsewhere, crest changes with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers warrant new icons on the map. The Flames switch the white flaming C to black and the Panthers make blue their new primary uniform color, relegating red to alternate status.

In 2002, Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux rebrands his team with the same logo he once wore as a player. However, a metallic Vegas gold now replaces yellow on the retro logos and redesigned uniforms. Meanwhile, the Washington Capitals and Los Angeles Kings each replace their primary marks with their alternate logos. Neither case is a true rebrand as the logos had already been in use for years.

In 2000, a decade of change finally ends as the NHL welcomes the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets to reach its goal of 30 member clubs.

The NHL grows to 28 teams as it ends a 19-year vacancy in Georgia. In 1999, the Atlanta Thrashers hit the ice for the city's second chance at hosting major league hockey. Elsewhere, the Carolina Hurricanes get a new arena and move 80 miles east to Raleigh.

As the decade winds down, the NHL gears up for another round of expansion. The league had been comprised of 26 franchises since 1993, but 1998 ushers in the first of a new group of four with the Nashville Predators. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues update their Blue Note crest, the New York Islanders bring back their original logo in a darker blue, and the Los Angeles Kings go for the full redesign with a new logo and uniforms that incorporate purple back into their color palette.

In 1997, the Hartford Whalers flounder under financial pressure and relocate to Greensboro, North Carolina. The Carolina Hurricanes are the last NHL franchise to be relocated for the next 14 years. Elsewhere, the Vancouver Canucks introduce new colors and a new logo for the third time in club history. And back east, the New York Islanders begin caving to fan complaints and start the process of switching back to their original logo.