It’s official: the NHL’s Reverse Retro jerseys are back – and they’re as expensive as ever. Regardless, British Ice Hockey couldn’t turn down the chance to spend the afternoon browsing the internet for our favourite designs.
Adidas smashed the project out of the park for some teams but failed to deliver with more than a few of their other looks. With that said, here is our ranking of the top five NHL Reverse Retro jerseys for the 2022-23 season. It’s time to settle the debate.
1. Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers (Image: Adidas / NHL)
It’s a flawless effort from the Florida Panthers, who finally produced a jersey that chimes with their market. Adidas combined the franchise’s secondary logo with the light blue colour scheme they used for their alternate jerseys in 2009 and it’s simply perfect.
Most importantly, the Panthers’ Reverse Retro uniform will jump off the screen when the team wears it on home ice in Miami.
2. Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres (Image: Adidas / NHL)
It’s a controversial effort from the Buffalo Sabres, but they deserve credit for leaning into the Reverse Retro concept.
Buffalo combined the Goat Head with their traditional club colours of yellow and blue to evoke memories of Dominik Hasek standing on his head in the 1990s.
We can’t wait to see Owen Power forge his own iconic moments in a throwback Sabres jersey.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens (Image: Adidas / NHL)
Yep, we miss the Montreal Expos too. Adidas claim that the design is “inspired by the city of Montreal colours” – but everyone knows that the ‘fit is a not-so-subtle tribute to the market’s folded baseball team.
Frankly, sky blue is a fantastic look for the Montreal Canadiens, who already have the best threads in hockey.
It’s the kind of jersey that is befitting of a first-overall pick like Juraj Slafkovsky. Très Bien!
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins (Image: Adidas / NHL)
The return of the Robo Penguin brings memories of Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr flooding back, albeit with a twist. Adidas understood the assignment and executed their design without fuss, providing the Pittsburgh Penguin with a jersey that ticks every box.
Sidney Crosby’s new outfit features yellow-on-black lettering, sharp lines, and the return of iconic artwork. We have no complaints.
5. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks (Image: Adidas / NHL)
The Anaheim Ducks scored an empty-netter by pairing their old logo with their current colour palette. While they lose marks for not including a splash of aubergine, the Californian club will almost certainly sell tonnes of their Reverse Retro sweaters with ‘Zegras’ stitched on the back. It’s a winner.
NHL Reverse Retro 2022-23 – The Bottom Three:
Unfortunately, the Calgary Flames revived a jersey design that nobody missed in the first place. Justice for Blasty.
Calgary Flames (Image: Adidas / NHL)
The Chicago Blackhawks have now produced two underwhelming Reverse Retro sweaters in a row. Did nobody tell them that they only need to tank for Connor Bedard on the ice? Poor.
Chicago Blackhawks (Image: Adidas / NHL)
If the Dallas Stars tried, they would’ve ended up with a cool jersey. But they phoned it in instead. We’re still waiting for the return of their Mooteruses logo from the early 2000s. Hurry up!
Dallas Stars (Image: Adidas / NHL)
So, that’s our verdict – but we want to hear from you! Tweet @BritIceHockey to let us know which of the new Reverse Retro jerseys is your favourite.
