Opinion: NHL Top 10 uniforms

Sports and uniforms, you can't have one without the other. Uniforms do more than distinguish teams; they tell a story about the identity of the team and city they represent. Let's look at the 10 best uniforms currently worn in the NHL and the stories they tell.

10: Edmonton Oilers away

This iconic look was first donned by the great one, Wayne Gretzky. It became synonymous with greatness. No creative liberties were taken in its design, but common designs are popular for a reason. It’s incredibly average yet undeniably clean. In other words, this is the standard by which all hockey uniforms should be judged.

9: Winnipeg Jets heritage

The Jets’ WHA look translates perfectly to the paneled jerseys of the current day. Changing the old shade of blue to navy adds an intimidation factor, and the strong red elements honor Canada. Ironically, these would look great on Team USA, but I digress.

8: Calgary Flames alternate

Immediately, my eyes are drawn to the fire-snorting horse logo known as Blasty. This fiery bronco celebrates Alberta’s culture and grabs attention with its symmetry, vibrant colors and placement against a starkly contrasting background.

The simple yet modern striping, subtle flames on the cuffs and retro font complement blasty nicely.

7: Minnesota Wild alternate

A perfect combination of old and new, this uniform mixes the creative, intricate logos of the Wild with the classic colors and motifs of the old North Stars. From the stars on the pants to the drop shadow numbers to the Minnesota-shaped captain’s patch, it’s the little things that make this uniform great.

6: Philadelphia Flyers home

When the Flyers were founded in 1967, their uniforms were revolutionary. No team had worn orange in years, and no jersey had vertical stripes.

The look was immortalized by the Broad Street Bullies, the legendary 1974 championship team. The flyers have always used variations of that design, and the current iteration is beautiful.

5: Washington Capitals alternate

The Capitals’ new alternates combine and celebrate the best elements from their history. A red base with white shoulders from their original jerseys, the beloved screaming eagle logo and the navy blue and modern font from the Ovechkin era. They symbolize the franchise’s evolution.

4: Detroit Red Wings away

This uniform is simple, even boring, but Detroit is a city that doesn't mess around. They don't need a flashy look to tell you who they are. Red symbolizes passion, and there’s nowhere more passionate about the sport than the place called Hockeytown. This look hits hard like Probert and dazzles like Datsyuk.

3: San Jose Sharks alternate

This uniform starts with a simple base: black with teal and white stripes. Then, it adds what makes the sharks’ identity special: modern patterns and flawless logos. It’s ocean and Silicon Valley at the same time, two elements the sharks like to incorporate. The modern elements appeal to young fans, but aren't so loud that purists riot.

2: New York Rangers home

What is a ranger? I'm not quite sure, but I know it’s someone who protects. When I see this uniform, I think of Mark Messier wearing a fireman's helmet after 9/11. I think of great goalies like Richter, Lundqvist and Shesterkin protecting the net.

The bright colors are reminiscent of superheroes and first responders. All of this, along with their signature diagonal script, creates the perfect uniform for the city of New York.

1: Montreal Canadiens home

This is not a jersey, it's a sweater, something worn to stay warm on an outdoor rink, where neighborhood kids gather to play the beautiful game.

As Montreal-based music group Loco Locass sing in their song “Le But”: “blue like the St.Lawrence River, white like winter, Red like the blood flowing through our veins—the body of the team, it's the heart of the nation.” This tricolore represents the spirit of Quebec and of hockey.

Gabe Eisenberg is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email gfe5080@psu.edu