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NHL Jerseys: 5 Teams with the Best Alternates

By Nadia Archuleta |
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Apr 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jay Harrison (23) reaches between the legs of Colorado Avalanche center Joey Hishon (38) for the puck during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

NHL jerseys — they serve such an important purpose. They designate, obviously, which team is which. They protect the players during the game. They help fans identify with their teams.

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The third, or alternate, jerseys allow players to get away from the usual. Teams always wear these third jerseys at home, typically around 12 times in a season. These jerseys often eliminate the team logo or even stray from the team’s colors. Usually they are a big hit with fans and are quite well-designed. Some, like the LA Kings’, fall miserably astray, though.

The Colorado Avalanche have been wearing a predominantly blue alternate jersey with the word “Colorado” inscribed diagonally across the front. These jerseys, affectionately called “blueberries,” are very attractive. Likewise, the Avalanche have a better than winning record when wearing these jerseys.

However, because this is a Colorado Avalanche site and I’m a die-hard Avs fan, it would not seem kosher if I put them in the position I think they deserve on this list — #1. So, we’ll celebrate their beauty — even as we tell them good-bye — and look at some other teams that have pleasing alternate jerseys.

#5: Minnesota Wild

May 7, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) acknowledges the fans after the Wild loss to the Chicago Blackhawks in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. The Blackhawks defeated the Wild 4-3 sweeping the second round of playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports

*Colorado Avalanche fans hate the Minnesota Wild with all the passion previously reserved for our former rivals, the Detroit Red Wings. My own loathing of this team runs hotter than 1,000 burning suns. It’s also been well-documented on this site — just search for the Wild in the search bar above if you’d like some “light” reading.

I am therefore not going to wax poetic about these alternate NHL jerseys. There is a picture above. You see what number they have on this list. Though it is against writing principals to do so, I’m going to ask you to make your own conclusions in this case.

Dear Minnesota Wild fans, this will be the closest I ever come to praising your team — enjoy!*

*irreverant font

Next: Avs Season Opener vs Wild

#4: San Jose Sharks

Feb 21, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles Kings in the first period during the Stadium Series hockey game at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

These NHL jerseys are actually the ones the San Jose Sharks wore during the Stadium Series — you can tell by the uni-jammies LA Kings skater Jake Muzzin is wearing.

The Sharks, despite being the Sharks, have a tough time being, well, tough. Their colors are turquoise and white, see? This is very appropriate for the beachside locale of San Jose. However, it’s not gritty.

These alternate jerseys add the grit back. The big stripe of black at the bottom grounds the overall palette. The shark in the logo ends up looking as if it’s swimming up from the depths of a fathomless sea, which gives it a touch of the mean appropriate for hockey. The white stripe between the turquoise and black also helps the shark stand out.

Overall, this jersey seems far more apropos for a hockey team than the usual sea of turquoise the San Jose Sharks wear.

 #3: Ottawa Senators

Apr 2, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators right wing Bobby Ryan (6) prepares for a face-off in the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not a big fan of the Ottawa Senators’ home jerseys — a red logo on a red background means neither one is discernible from a distance. That said, these alternate jerseys have everything the home jerseys do not. The bold striping and gigantic “O” for Ottawa means the jersey is readable from a distance. The cream in the jersey further sets off the already-striking black and red.

Likewise, black is both flattering and tough. Plus, the cream actually relates to the gold normally present in the Senators’ logo. Overall, this alternate jersey is a win for styling.

Of course, at one time they wore a more cream-based version that blended very strangely with the maroon and cream of their rival Vancouver Canucks.

 #2: Vancouver Canucks

Mar 26, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack (31) defends against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Colorado Avalanche won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of the Vancouver Canucks, these throwback jerseys are so handsome. They remind you that the Canucks have a history going back 70 years — literally.

Granted, the striping on the sleeves is dated. But, like I said, it reminds you of the history of the team. The “V” in the center may seem a little odd at first until you notice it spells “Vancouver” in a charmingly old-fashioned manner.

My favorite part about these uniforms is the color scheme. The yellow in the cream just barely complements the burgundy undertones of the maroon base. This is complementary colors done right.

For a lesson on complementary uniform colors done wrong, read this:

Next: 5 Ugliest NHL Uniforms

#1: Columbus Blue Jackets

Oct 17, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Scott Hartnell (43) against the Calgary Flames at Nationwide Arena. The Blue Jackets won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets alternate jerseys almost make me want to become a fan just so I can purchase one of these. Every single aspect of these jerseys is spot on. It starts with the color palette of navy blue and cream — a combination that would look appropriate on a Cape Cod yacht, it’s so classy.

The lines in the uniform are clean. There is striping in the expected places for an NHL jersey, at sleeve and hem. The wide band on the shoulders echoes epaulettes.

Though the Blue Jackets are a relatively new team, the throwback lacing at the hemline adds a vintage appeal to the design. Finally, the logo adds the only detailing in the jersey. It’s far less graphic than the usual logo for Columbus. Instead, it features their beloved cannon encircled by the name of the team.

A little-known fact about these jerseys is that the phrase “We Fight, We March!” is inscribed on the interior of the jersey’s collar. The team introduced the phrase during the 2008-09 season to describe their first-ever march to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Beneath the phrase are 10 stars to represent the fact that the jersey debuted during the team’s 10th season.

Columbus may not have a storied history, but they’re making a point of marking it along the way.

Next: TBT: Adam Foote's Final Shift

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