One subtle change the NHL has done for the upcoming 2021 season, was introducing “Reverse Retro” jerseys for all 31 teams on 11/16/20. This pro hockey jersey review briefly covers all teams. These jerseys will be worn through the season and are available for purchase. Adidas Reverse Retro jerseys are below, a link to the full set is at the end of this article.
All 31 jerseys are considered throwback uniforms with a modern twist. Cool design about the reverse retro jerseys is all NHL teams have reached into the past of their respective franchises and tried to develop a jersey with a 2021 feel to it. The 2021 season won’t have third alternate jerseys, which may/may not be fan favorites by the time the Stanley Cup playoffs start in May 2021.
There are not specific jerseys for women but Adidas offers Small to 2XL. Sizing that can accommodate most anyone. Hockey jersey sizing tends to run larger and even a small will be oversized. Retro jerseys are always a great choice for fans because teams update to more modern times but always have respect for seasons past. Being able to wear a retro jersey even if it is really from seasons past is a great sustainable statement.
I’ve closely studied all 31 pro hockey jerseys and have listed review comments for each team (in alphabetical order) by the 2020-2021 NHL realigned divisions below:
Pro Hockey Jersey Summary by Division
East Division
- Boston Bruins – 1987-1988/1989-1990 throwback jersey with gold background, good interpretation of an original 6 jersey
- Buffalo Sabres – 2000 third alternate jersey in 2020-2021 colors, great concept and color scheme
- New Jersey Devils – 1982 throwback, paging David Puddy from Seinfeld
- New York Islanders – 1980 throwback when a dynasty was born and won the Stanley Cup
- Philadelphia Flyers – 1995 throwback when Eric Lindros was playing
- New York Rangers – 1996 third alternate throwback, classy nod to the Statue of Liberty
- Pittsburgh Penguins – 1997 throwback with classic diagonal lettering
- Washington Capitals – 1997 throwback logo with current team colors
Central Division
- Carolina Hurricanes – 1979 Hartford Whalers jersey in gray, whale tales are always a good thing
- Chicago Blackhawks – 1940 throwback that’s kind of bland
- Columbus Blue Jackets – 2000 throwback in red that’s old school, still miss the cannon
- Dallas Stars – 1999 throwback in white when they won the Stanley Cup
- Detroit Red Wings – 1998 throwback in white when they won their 9th Stanley Cup, but this looks like no time was spent designing it
- Florida Panthers – 1996 throwback when they went to the Stanley Cup Finals, angled sleeve pattern is a unique touch
- Nashville Predators – 1998 throwback of their inaugural season
- Tampa Bay Lightning – 2004 throwback of their first Stanley Cup championship, with blue and white reversed
West Division
- Anaheim Ducks – 1995 third alternate jersey with original Wild Wing cartoon duck that I’ve been trying to forget about for 25 years
- Arizona Coyotes – 1999 third jersey in purple, nod to the Phoenix desert
- Colorado Avalanche – 1979 Quebec Nordiques igloo jersey in Avalanche current color scheme
- Los Angeles Kings – 1989 throwback in purple and gold, very cool combo
- Minnesota Wild – 1978 Minnesota North Stars jersey colors, finally giving the birth place of USA hockey some credit
- San Jose Sharks – 1998 throwback in grey, teal finally takes a back seat
- St. Louis Blues – 1995 throwback in red, once worn by Wayne Gretzky
- Vegas Golden Knights – 1995 Las Vegas Thunder jersey throwback, matches the Strip casino lights
North Division
- Calgary Flames – 1998 third alternate jersey, not a fan of the horse head logo
- Edmonton Oilers – 1979 throwback and the dawn of a young dynasty in the making
- Montreal Canadiens – 1976 throwback reversed in blue and red, still a classic logo and colors
- Ottawa Senators – 1992 throwback in red, just boring
- Toronto Maple Leafs – 1970 throwback, understated and gets better with more views
- Vancouver Canucks -2001 third alternate jersey, with way too much green
- Winnipeg Jets – 1979 throwback, return of the original Jets logo
Pictures for all jerseys can be seen here on the NHL website.
For more information about the rules changes implemented for the 2020-2021 NHL season, please see this posting
