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Scenario: you get up within the morning with the unbelievable urge to spend your individual cash on 31 National Hockey League jerseys, one from the historical past of every franchise. Which ones would you select? More importantly, whose title could be on the again?
There’s rather a lot that may go into such choices. Do you worth uncooked statistics, or are you extra involved with recognition? What about intangibles, issues like character and management? How do awards and championships think about? And what for those who’ve discovered the right participant, however they performed at a time when their workforce was carrying clown outfits?
Explore every little thing hockey with THW’s Hockeypedia pages.
Below is a positively excellent information to this positively all-too-common state of affairs. You’re welcome.
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Anaheim Ducks
The Obvious Choice
Teemu Selanne, #8
The Ducks’ franchise chief in video games performed, objectives and factors, Selanne additionally introduced a Richard Trophy and, in 2007, a Stanley Cup, to Anaheim. The Finnish Flash had a few of his finest seasons after he turned 35, and continued producing into his 40s.
In a profession spanning three distinct NHL eras – from the wacky early ‘90s, to the Dead Puck Era (late ‘90s and early ‘00s), and, finally, the New NHL (coming out of the 2004-05 full-season lockout), Selanne was a consistently awesome performer for the Ducks and a joy for Anaheim fans and media alike.
The Correct Choice
Paul Kariya, #9
Selanne’s partner-in-crime with the ‘90s (then-Mighty) Ducks, Kariya put up very similar per-game totals to those of the Finnish Flash. Admittedly, Kariya never won a major award outside of the Lady Byng (twice). And yes, Kariya only played for the Ducks up until 2003, limiting the jersey styles you have to choose from to the jade and eggplant kit era.
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However, Kariya, who served as Anaheim’s captain, was one of the vital dominant gamers within the NHL throughout his time with the Ducks, capable of beat you in any manner: with velocity or finesse, along with his shot or his arms, along with his goal-scoring or his playmaking. And, in fact, he was chargeable for one of the vital memorable moments in franchise historical past:
Honourable Mentions
Jean-Sebastien Giguere, #35
Ryan Getzlaf, #15
Scott Niedermayer, #27
Winnipeg Jets Phoenix Coyotes Arizona Coyotes
The Obvious Choice
Shane Doan, #19
When you consider the Coyotes, you consider Shane Doan, the franchise’s chief in practically every little thing that issues. Loyal virtually to a fault, Doan was drafted by the primary iteration of the Winnipeg Jets and remained with the workforce after they moved to Phoenix – and for 20 seasons past that. Though there’s a debate as as to whether he belongs within the Hockey Hall of Fame, one can’t deny Doan is the one most vital participant in franchise historical past.
He gave every little thing to the workforce and the neighborhood, persevering by means of unimaginable organisational instability that makes the Florida Panthers look competent by comparability. Your choice of Doan would additionally provide the largest number of seems, as he’s worn practically every little thing ever.
The Correct Choice
Ilya Bryzgalov, #30
Let’s face it: the Coyotes have been a multitude ever since their transfer to the desert, each off the ice and on it. That’s why it’s vital to look on the brilliant aspect. Bryzgalov was a breath of recent air within the usually stale, stuffy world of hockey gamers, delighting legions of followers simply by being himself (even when doing so didn’t always endear himself to his teammates).
Bryzgalov posted a .920 or higher save proportion in three of his 4 seasons within the desert, and nonetheless holds the franchise mark for normal season wins. Yes, the Coyotes threads weren’t one of the best throughout his time with the squad, however shopping for a Bryz jersey ensures you’ll have a dialog piece for years to return.
Honourable Mentions
Dale Hawerchuk, #10
Teppo Numminen, #27
Thomas Steen, #25
Boston Bruins
The Obvious Choice
Bobby Orr, #4
Undoubtedly one of the best participant in franchise historical past (one could make a case he was one of the best in NHL historical past), Orr’s mix of skating and ability received him the Calder Trophy in 1967, adopted shortly thereafter by eight (straight) Norris Trophies, two Art Ross Trophies, three (straight) Harts and two Conn Smythes. He additionally introduced two Stanley Cups to Boston, in 1970 – their first since 1941 – and 1972. Orr was actually the right hockey participant, and he performed throughout one of many uncommon occasions you’d truly need a Bruins jersey.
The Correct Choice
Wayne Cashman, #12
Though the Bruins of the Seventies have been chock-full of top-end expertise, their popularity was considered one of toughness, physicality, and a grinding fashion of play – a popularity that continues to outline the Bruins to today.
Skillful sufficient to go with the likes of Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge, but powerful sufficient to do their soiled work, Cashman embodied all that Boston followers and administration alike worth in a participant. The prototypical Bruin, Cashman, like Orr, performed in an excellent aesthetic period for the workforce, solidifying this choice.
Honourable Mentions
Eddie Shore, #2
Milan Lucic, #17
Ray Bourque, #77
Buffalo Sabres
The Obvious Choice
Gilbert Perreault, #11
The swift-skating centre was the first-ever draft decide of the Sabres and didn’t disappoint. Like Doan, Perreault retired because the franchise chief in nearly every little thing. Perhaps extra impressively, he maintained his excessive customary of play for the whole thing of his 17 seasons, with no important profession arc to talk of.
His jersey could be a pleasant acquisition on aesthetic deserves alone, because the Sabres’ unique duds are revered as a few of the NHL’s finest, with Buffalo followers nonetheless pining for his or her return.
The Correct Choice
Dominik Hasek, #39
There was a time when Hasek may need been thought-about the apparent selection, however years of dreadfulness down Buffalo manner have pushed the golden years of the Dominator out of reminiscence. The winner of two (back-to-back) Hart Trophies, two (back-to-back) Pearson Trophies and 6 Vezinas (together with streaks of two and three consecutively), Hasek, 12 months after 12 months, dragged a constantly overmatched Sabres workforce to the precipice of success, although they fell simply quick every time.
Hasek is the best goaltender in NHL historical past, so you possibly can’t actually go flawed with shopping for his jersey. As an added bonus, he performed for the Sabres over two aesthetically pleasing eras.
Honourable Mentions
Mike Peca, #27
Pat LaFontaine, #16
Rob Ray, #32
Atlanta Flames Calgary Flames
The Obvious Choice
Jarome Iginla, #12
Iginla debuted in Calgary with monumental expectations – he was traded for Flames star Joe Nieuwendyk, in any case – and by no means, ever disillusioned. A deadly offensive participant who may very well be deployed in all conditions, Iginla additionally served as Calgary’s captain, each on the ice and out in the neighborhood.
Iginla additional endeared himself to followers by means of his willingness to have interaction within the bodily sport, a trait which he made work in each the Dead Puck Era and trendy sport alike. The finest participant in franchise historical past, Iginla is without doubt one of the biggest goal-scorers of all time.
The Correct Choice
Lanny McDonald, #9
McDonald was one of many most important causes the Flames of the Nineteen Eighties have been constantly aggressive. And, in fact, in 1989, he scored a very powerful purpose in franchise historical past, popping out of the penalty field to present the Flames the lead within the deciding sport of the Stanley Cup Final.
McDonald and his iconic moustache retired after Calgary’s Cup win, however stay immediately recognisable icons of the sport. The ‘80s Flames had some nice threads, too.
Honourable Mentions
Al MacInnis, #2
Mike Vernon, #30
Theoren Fleury, #14
Hartford Whalers Carolina Hurricanes
The Obvious Choice
Ron Francis, #10
Drafted by the Whalers in 1981, Francis spent a decade in Hartford, before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He returned to the franchise in 1998-99 after they had relocated to Carolina, leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Final in 2002.
The franchise leader in pretty much everything, Francis wore two entirely different sweaters during his time with the team, leaving the jersey connoisseur with a meaningful choice.
The Correct Choice
Arturs Irbe, #1
Off-the-wall, like many of his profession, Irbe was a journeyman goaltender throughout much of his professional career. However, he did find a home with the Hurricanes, spending six seasons with the team, and backstopping them to the aforementioned 2002 Final, posting a .938 save percentage in the playoffs.
However, no amount of NHL success could change the diminutive Latvian; he chose plain, white equipment – which he repaired himself – and the same type of helmet he wore growing up in the Soviet Union. Irbe may not be a Hurricanes franchise leader in any categories of note, but his oddball nature, combined with frequent stretches of brilliance, means his jersey is the one I’d need.
Honourable Mentions
Eric Staal, #12
Rod Brind’Amour, #17
Sean Burke, #1
Chicago Blackhawks
The Obvious Choice
Bobby Hull, #9
Bobby Hull had all of it as a participant. Blindingly quick skating and a howitzer of a shot – together with dashing beauty – endeared the Golden Jet to followers, and his goal-scoring prowess noticed him break many established NHL records.
That mentioned, let’s not neglect Hull’s legacy has been perpetually tarnished with revelations of his abusive behaviour and worrying personal views. As a participant? Magnificent. As an individual? Not so much.
The Correct Choice
Stan Mikita, #21
Mikita holds the Blackhawks all-time marks for video games performed, assists and factors, and is second all-time in objectives, trailing solely Bobby Hull. Though not as flashy as Hull, Mikita selected to ply his commerce within the hardest league on Earth for the whole thing of his profession, one thing which can’t be discounted when evaluating the 2.
An excellent all-around participant, Mikita was infamous early in his profession for his frequent journeys to the penalty field, earlier than a remark from his daughter turned him right into a two-time Lady Byng winner. A Mikita jersey exhibits actual information of the sport, not simply the razzle-dazzle.
Honourable Mentions
Denis Savard, #18
Eric Nesterenko, #15
Tony Esposito, #35
Quebec Nordiques Colorado Avalanche
The Obvious Choice
Joe Sakic, #19
Though boasting among the best wrist photographs in NHL historical past – together with franchise information in objectives, power-play objectives and shorthanded objectives, Joe Sakic was rather more than a deadly sniper. Only 11 gamers in league historical past have extra assists than Sakic (although Joe Thornton will possible catch him), solely eight have extra factors, and nobody has extra playoff extra time winners than Burnaby Joe, with eight.
Sakic was an awfully gifted participant with a penchant for coming by means of within the clutch. Plus, each the Nords and Avs of Sakic’s period wore some really spectacular sweaters.
The Correct Choice
Peter Forsberg, #21
A online game fantasy made actual, Forsberg was a solidly constructed energy ahead who performed a quick, explosive bodily sport, all of the whereas being a deft playmaker and finisher with silky-smooth arms. Injuries minimize his profession far too quick, to make sure.
Were he to have been wholesome post-lockout, Forsberg, freed from the clutching, grabbing and stickwork that outlined the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, would have absolutely run the NHL’s present. After all, what do you do when you possibly can not decelerate the already unstoppable?
Honourable Mentions
Anton (#20) / Marian (#18) / Peter (#26) Stastny
Michel Goulet, #16
Patrick Roy, #33
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Obvious Choice
Rick Nash, #61
The Jackets’ first general choice in 2002, Nash by no means disillusioned, main the workforce in objectives in every of the eight seasons following his rookie marketing campaign of 2002-03. An enormous of a person with nice finesse and shocking velocity, Nash’s contact across the internet – in all conditions – stored the perennially woeful Blue Jackets respectably aggressive.
Co-winner of the 2003-04 Richard Trophy, Nash, even six seasons after his departure from Columbus, nonetheless sits on the prime of each main offensive class in workforce historical past.
The Correct Choice
Ron Tugnutt, #31
Though he solely spent two years in Ohio’s capital, Tugnutt nonetheless managed to place his stamp on the workforce, placing up the league’s fifth-best save proportion (.917) in 2000-01, the Blue Jackets’ first 12 months of play. Though Columbus missed the playoffs in each of Tugnutt’s seasons with the workforce, the goaltending he supplied gave the Blue Jackets an opportunity to be aggressive.
An early fan-favourite for the franchise, Tugnutt wore the membership’s head-scratching inaugural threads, which featured a neon hornet, regardless of the workforce moniker’s Civil War origin.
Honourable Mentions
Fedor Tyutin, #51
R.J. Umberger, #18
Sergei Bobrovsky, #72
Minnesota North Stars Dallas Stars
The Obvious Choice
Mike Modano, #9
Blessed with unbelievable velocity – and the flexibility to maneuver at mentioned velocity, Modano was one of the vital electrifying gamers of his period. Holding the franchise file in each main offensive class, Modano was the face of the franchise for practically twenty years. The reality he performed in Minnesota for the previous North Stars strengthens the jersey choice accessible.
The Correct Choice
Sergei Zubov, #56
Never the recipient of a significant award, Zubov quietly went about his enterprise being among the best two-way defenders of his period. His common of 0.65 factors per sport in a Stars uniform (equating to 53 over an 82-game season), mixed with the actual fact the prime of his profession got here within the offensively suppressed Dead Puck Era, give Zubov a strong case for Hall of Fame consideration. Why not give him some consideration to your wardrobe, too?
Honourable Mentions
Dino Ciccarelli, #20
Ed Belfour, #20
Jere Lehtinen, #26
Detroit Cougars Detroit Falcons Detroit Red Wings
The Obvious Choice
Gordie Howe, #9
Mr. Hockey’s otherworldly 32-year skilled profession included 25 seasons within the Motor City, throughout which he put up franchise information for video games performed, objectives, assists and factors, all of which besides assists (since surpassed by Steve Yzerman) nonetheless stand.
As powerful as he was proficient, Howe was the whole hockey-playing bundle, and set the usual by which all gamers could be judged for generations to return.
The Correct Choice
Alex Delvecchio, #10
Of all the celebs to put on a Red Wings equipment (which has by no means actually modified all that a lot, if we’re on the topic) – and there are lots of, maybe nobody has ever been within the shadows of greatness like Delvecchio. A lifetime Red Wing, Delvecchio performed with the legendary Howe for many of his 24-season profession. Interestingly, he served as Detroit’s captain for 11 seasons throughout this time, following Howe’s mere four-year captaincy.
As a testomony to his longevity, Delvecchio’s three best offensive seasons got here at ages 36, 40 and 35, respectively. He additionally had improbable hair.
Honourable Mentions
Pavel Datsyuk, #13
Sergei Fedorov, #91
Steve Yzerman, #19
Edmonton Oilers
The Obvious Choice
Wayne Gretzky, #99
The Great One. Need I say extra? Gretzky set – and nonetheless holds – dozens of NHL records, not to mention Oilers franchise marks. Blessed with elegant expertise and supernatural hockey sense, Gretzky took over from Gordie Howe because the measuring stick for hockey gamers all over the world. The solely draw back to picking Gretzky is the restricted seems he wore as a member of the Oilers.pen
The Correct Choice
Ryan Smyth, #94
If you’re a fan of a workforce known as the “Oilers,” certainly you could admire onerous work, toughness, grit and willpower alongside your ability. Smyth embodied all of those qualities like no participant in Oilers historical past, making him an all-time fan-favourite. Smyth did every little thing the onerous manner – but hardly ever disillusioned. Plus, the Oilers have been liberal in experimenting with their uniforms throughout his two stints with the workforce, which means you’ll have loads of sweaters to select from.
Honourable Mentions
Glenn Anderson, #9
Jari Kurri, #17
Mark Messier, #11
Florida Panthers
The Obvious Choice
Roberto Luongo, #1
The eminently good-natured puckstopper spent two stints in South Florida, and will rode off into the sundown with each main workforce goaltending file comfortably in hand. Florida has by no means actually been all that good, however Luongo has all the time stored them aggressive. He holds the highest two marks in NHL historical past for photographs confronted – and saves made – in a single common season, and sits tied for fourth all-time in profession save proportion.
Luongo has a robust case for the Hall of Fame, and presents a robust case for a jersey buy, given each his legendary standing and the number of Florida seems he’s sported.
The Correct Choice
Pavel Bure, #10
Though suffering from accidents all through his 4 seasons in South Florida – as he was his whole profession, Bure, one of the vital dazzling skaters and scorers the world has ever seen, left an indelible mark on the Panthers. In 2000-01, the one time Bure performed a full 82 video games with the Cats, he scored 59 objectives to steer the NHL.
Even extra spectacular, this output represented 30 % of his workforce’s objectives scored, an NHL file. Now, that may say extra in regards to the Panthers than Bure (no different Cat had greater than 14 objectives), however I digress. Bure nonetheless holds franchise marks for objectives per sport and factors per sport. His is the jersey you need.
Honourable Mentions
Jay Bouwmeester, #4
Olli Jokinen, #12
Scott Mellanby, #27
Los Angeles Kings
The Obvious Choice
Marcel Dionne, #16
Dionne began his profession with the sad-sack Red Wings, earlier than being traded to the extra aggressive, but much more remoted Kings. Toiling in relative anonymity on the West Coast, Dionne is without doubt one of the really premier gamers in league historical past.
Upon his retirement, he was second solely to Gordie Howe in profession objectives, assists and factors. As the centrepiece of the legendary Triple Crown line, Dionne flourished in Los Angeles, and a purple and gold Dionne jersey would look good in any assortment.
The Correct Choice
Luc Robitaille, #20
The NHL’s all-time chief amongst left wingers in objectives and factors, and second all-time in assists, Robitaille was missed by each NHL workforce, save for the Kings, on account of his lacklustre skating. He made the remainder of the league pay, beginning his profession with eight consecutive 40-plus purpose campaigns, a streak interrupted solely by the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season.
A pure goal-scorer, Robitaille had three separate stints with the Kings, producing admirably in all of them. His longevity additionally means a wide range of Kings jersey iterations will probably be accessible to select from.
Honourable Mentions
Dave Taylor, #18
Rogatien Vachon, #30
Wayne Gretzky, #99
Minnesota Wild
The Obvious Choice
Marian Gaborik, #10
A pure goal-scorer with improbable velocity, Gaborik immediately gave the fledgling Wild credibility following his debut in 2000. One of the only a few gate sights for a Minnesota franchise recognized extra for protection and construction than offense and pleasure, Gaborik shone for eight seasons within the State of Hockey.
Still the workforce’s all-time chief in objectives, Gaborik was equally good within the playoffs for the Wild, with 9 objectives and 17 factors in Minnesota’s shock run to the 2003 Western Conference Final. You can’t go flawed with a Gaborik jersey, ideally in pink.
The Correct Choice
Mikko Koivu, #9
Minnesota’s captain since 2008-09, Koivu is the prototypical Wild participant. A defensively accountable centre that excels at each ends of the ice and performs in all conditions. Rarely flashy, Koivu merely goes out and offers the Wild precisely what they want from him, every evening.
His significance through the years in holding an often-directionless Wild workforce aggressive can’t be understated. You’ll even have a wider jersey choice, as Koivu’s Minnesota tenure spans a few totally different design eras.
Honourable Mentions
Andrew Brunette, #15
Josh Harding, #37
Niklas Backstrom, #32
Montreal Canadiens
The Obvious Choice
Guy Lafleur, #10
There are many “obvious” selections for the oldest workforce within the NHL (and the jerseys haven’t modified a lot in any respect, so no actual differentiation there, both), however Lafleur and his supreme offensive expertise really stand out. At his peak, the Flower had six straight seasons of 50-plus objectives and 100-plus factors, and he stays, to today, the franchise chief in assists and factors (he’s second all-time in objectives).
With his lengthy blonde hair blowing within the wind generated by his swift, {smooth} fashion of skating, Lafleur was really a sight to behold, and an immediately recognisable image of Montreal’s then-dominance of the NHL.
The Correct Choice
Maurice Richard, #9
Richard’s 544 profession objectives with Montreal, the one workforce he ever performed for, remains to be the franchise high-water mark, over a half-century after his retirement. Withdrawn and contemplative off the ice, the Rocket was a ferocious competitor on it, along with his fiery ardour blazing a trailing to opposing objectives – and, typically, to the league’s disciplinarians.
His profession set in opposition to the backdrop of French Canada’s battle for respect and autonomy, Richard was the face not solely of his workforce, however of your entire province of Quebec.
Honourable Mentions
Henri Richard, #16
Jean Beliveau, #4
Saku Koivu, #11
Nashville Predators
The Obvious Choice
Shea Weber, #6
The finest participant to ever put on the Nashville uniform (excluding Peter Forsberg, who was solely on the town for a handful of video games), Weber introduced Music City followers to their ft along with his booming shot and bodily play. Owner of among the best beards within the enterprise, Weber made the Nashville zone a deeply uncomfortable place to be.
Second in franchise objectives, third in assists and third in factors – consider this can be a defenseman we’re speaking about right here, Weber’s actual offensive advantages have been most distinguished on the facility play, the place he leads the workforce in all-time tallies, 34 away from his closest competitor. Choosing a Weber jersey additionally bestows upon thee the complete vary of Predators uniforms, together with the notorious Mustard Tiger.
The Correct Choice
Cliff Ronning, #7
Though he performed in a darkish and dreary period of Predators uniform design, Ronning was Nashville’s first actual star, coming over from the Coyotes a couple of days into the Preds’ inaugural season. Though he was not round to see the workforce make it to the playoffs, Ronning’s 4 seasons of management and dependable on-ice efficiency gave the workforce some credibility in its youth.
Honourable Mentions
David Legwand, #11
Pekka Rinne, #35
Ryan Suter, #20
Kansas City Scouts Colorado Rockies New Jersey Devils
The Obvious Choice
Martin Brodeur, #30
One of the best goaltenders in NHL historical past, Brodeur holds the league’s all-time information for video games performed, wins (and losses), shutouts, photographs confronted, saves… You get the purpose.
He’s even first in objectives (2), assists (45) and factors (47) at his place, including one other purpose and 12 assists in playoff play. Brodeur backstopped the Devils to a few Stanley Cups, to associate with his Calder Trophy and 4 Vezinas. And he did all of it taking part in behind a workforce that, although stingy defensively, didn’t present him with a lot run help, placing an unlimited quantity of strain on Brodeur to cease each single shot that got here his manner – which, as talked about, he did on extra events than every other goaltender.
The Correct Choice
Ken Daneyko, #3
Daneyko was a lifelong Devil, initially debuting in 1983-84 and retiring following his third Cup win in 2003. A stalwart defensive defenseman, Daneyko was not flashy; he simply acquired the job executed. The franchise chief in video games performed (and penalty minutes), Daneyko is actually a New Jersey legend. An actual fan of the sport might do no higher than his jersey for his or her Devils entry.
Honourable Mentions
Patrik Elias, #26
Scott Niedermayer, #27
Scott Stevens, #4
New York Islanders
The Obvious Choice
Mike Bossy, #22
An incomparable offensive expertise restricted solely by harm, Bossy received three Lady Byngs, to associate with the Calder and a Conn Smythe. His goal-scoring is what he’s finest remembered for; Bossy holds the NHL file for many consecutive 50-plus purpose seasons (9), and shares the information for whole 50-plus and 60-plus purpose seasons (9 and 5, respectively).
His objectives per sport common is the very best in NHL historical past. Perhaps even higher within the playoffs, Bossy potted 61 objectives and 111 factors in solely 72 video games throughout the Islanders’ 4 straight Stanley Cup runs between 1980 and 1983. Bossy was one of the best pure sniper of his day, and the Stanley Cup summered on Long Island 4 straight years due to him.
The Correct Choice
Billy Smith, #31
“Battlin’ Billy” Smith, finest recognized for his liberality with the stick and win-at-all-costs mentality, was among the best clutch goalies within the historical past of the NHL. Though his common season numbers are superb, he tended to share beginning duties along with his batterymates, most notably Glenn “Chico” Resch and, later, Rollie Melanson. However, Smith acquired the baton within the playoffs and ran with it, dropping solely 36 occasions in 132 video games, backstopping the Isles to 4 consecutive Stanley Cups alongside the best way.
Smith’s fiery ardour for the sport – for profitable, specifically – completely embodied the youthful brother mentality of the Islanders, who have been – and are – usually afterthoughts within the New York space. If you’re on the lookout for one thing that finest represents the Islanders, look no additional than a Billy Smith sweater.
Honourable Mentions
Bryan Trottier, #19
Denis Potvin, #5
John Tavares, #91
New York Rangers
The Obvious Choice
Brian Leetch, #2
A supremely gifted rearguard, Leetch is second all-time in video games performed, assists and factors for the Rangers. He received the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994, main the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup since 1940 with a outstanding 34 factors in 23 video games – as a defenseman, keep in mind.
A blue line standout, Leetch was additionally an unlimited a part of the Rangers offense for the whole thing of his 17 seasons with the workforce, giving unparalleled worth to the Blueshirts from the again finish. Helping his case is the actual fact he not solely wore the traditional Rangers duds, but in addition each variations of their improbable “Lady Liberty” alternates.
The Correct Choice
Henrik Lundqvist, #30
It is exceedingly uncommon for hockey gamers, historically a quieter, extra reserved breed, to be recognized for a lot outdoors their craft. Lundqvist has shattered this mould – in a great way, and is the right athlete for the extraordinary highlight that comes with taking part in in New York. Holder of the Rangers’ all-time information for wins, shutouts and save proportion, Lundqvist has not solely been the workforce’s undisputed starter since his debut in 2005-06, but in addition maybe one of the best (or, on the very least, essentially the most constantly nice) goaltender within the league over that span.
Always impeccably dressed and infrequently one to draw back from publicity, Lundqvist is the perfect to which all New York athletes – all New York celebrities on the whole – ought to aspire. He’s good-looking, concerned in the neighborhood and peerless on the ice. The King is the king for a cause.
Honourable Mentions
Mark Messier, #11
Mike Richter, #35
Rod Gilbert, #7
Ottawa Senators
The Obvious Choice
Daniel Alfredsson, #11
The Sens’ all-time chief in objectives (even-strength, power-play and shorthanded), assists and factors, Alfredsson is, with out query, the best participant in workforce historical past (although Erik Karlsson would possibly quickly have one thing to say about that).
Alfredsson’s addition helped jump-start the floundering Ottawa franchise within the mid-‘90s, and he flourished throughout their ascent to greatness, which culminated in a loss in the 2007 Stanley Cup Final. He then shepherded a team in transition towards the future, all the while maintaining his high level of on-ice performance. An Alfie sweater should be worn with pride, no doubt about that.
The Correct Choice
Chris Phillips, #4
Like Daneyko, Phillips was never a particularly flashy player. He simply showed up, went to work and did a good job, retiring as the Sens’ all-time chief in video games performed. Unfortunately, he’s in all probability finest remembered for Game 5 of the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, when he inadvertently banked the series-winning purpose off goaltender Ray Emery and into his personal internet.
However, like Alfredsson, Phillips caught with the franchise by means of the nice, the dangerous and the ugly (on-ice and aesthetically), and must be remembered as such. He was not solely eminently dependable on the ice, he rose to a distinguished management function off it. The workforce even thought sufficient of him to keep him around post-retirement. Is there anybody extra Ottawa than Phillips?
Honourable Mentions
Craig Anderson, #41
Erik Karlsson, #65
Jason Spezza, #19
Philadelphia Flyers
The Obvious Choice
Eric Lindros, #88
A mammoth of a person capable of overpower opponents at will, Lindros was the centrepiece of the highly effective Flyers groups of the Nineties. Big and imply, with shocking quickness and finesse, Lindros might play the sport any manner you wished. Dominant in all conditions, Lindros received each the Hart and Pearson in 1994-95.
Though accidents stunted and, in the end, terminated his profession far too early, Lindros left his mark on the hockey world because the undisputed most proficient participant to ever play for the Flyers, and one of the vital gifted gamers to ever play the sport.
The Correct Choice
Bobby Clarke, #16
Still the franchise chief in video games performed, assists and factors extra that three a long time after his retirement, Clarke was the quintessential Philadelphia Flyer. Captaining a workforce recognized finest for his or her tough and tumble fashion of play – Clarke himself broke 100 penalty minutes on six events, he was additionally a supremely gifted two-way centre, posting three 100-plus level seasons and twice main the league in assists, whereas additionally bringing residence a Selke Trophy.
A ferocious competitor, Clarke excelled within the NHL regardless of his smallish stature and sort 1 diabetes, incomes the Masterton Trophy in 1972, which he would observe up with three Harts and a Pearson. He additionally wore extra jerseys than Lindros, providing you with a greater choice to select from.
Honourable Mentions
Bernie Parent, #1
Bill Barber, #7
Ron Hextall, #27
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Obvious Choice
Sidney Crosby, #87
The selection du jour primarily based on recency bias, Crosby has unquestionably been one of the best post-lockout participant within the league, averaging an unbelievable 1.31 factors per sport since his debut in 2005-06. Crosby has captained the Penguins to a few Stanley Cups – two of which have been back-to-back, and has introduced residence two Art Ross Trophies and two Richards to associate with two Conn Smythes, two Harts and three Pearson/Lindsays.
Crosby can actually do something he needs. One 12 months, bored of dominating along with his playmaking, he determined to attain 50 objectives – and did it. A couple of years later, tired of the offensive sport, he determined to change into a two-way risk – and did it. Crosby is one of the best participant on Planet Earth, as he has been his whole profession.
The Correct Choice
Mario Lemieux, #66
But lest we neglect simply how good Mario Lemieux was. His profession shortened by numerous illnesses, Lemieux’s uncooked numbers don’t come near approaching Wayne Gretzky. However, taking a look at per-game averages, Lemieux outpaces Gretzky in objectives, and trails him solely marginally in assists and factors. Unlike Gretzky, Lemieux spent half of his profession with out a lot of a supporting solid, making his achievements all of the extra spectacular.
Lemieux received the Calder, two Cups, two Conn Smythes, three Harts, 4 Pearsons and a Masterton, to go alongside six Art Ross Trophies – and the three Richards he would have received, had there been a goal-scoring award on the time. There is an argument to be made for Lemieux being one of the best participant to have ever performed the sport. Plus, he wore practically each uniform design in Penguins historical past.
Honourable Mentions
Evgeni Malkin, #71
Jaromir Jagr, #68
Ron Francis, #10
St. Louis Blues
The Obvious Choice
Brett Hull, #16
The Blues’ all-time chief in objectives (and second all-time in assists and factors), Hull was a generational goal-scorer. Despite mediocre skating, he all the time managed to get himself in the suitable place on the proper time, main the NHL in objectives three consecutive seasons.
Hull owns an exceptional 0.71 objectives per sport common with the Blues, equating to 58 objectives in an 82-game season. Possessing a deadly one-timer, Hull is a Blues legend that performed for them in a wide range of jerseys, making him doubly engaging for the duty at hand.
The Correct Choice
Curtis Joseph, #31
Everyone loves an underdog story, and Cujo all the time appeared to be at his finest when his groups weren’t. Joseph dragged the unbalanced, top-heavy Blues to respectability within the early ‘90s, and is perhaps best remembered (in a Blues uniform, anyway) for standing on his head during the 1993 playoffs, posting a .938 save percentage (unheard of in that era) and two shutouts. Though Hull wore more Blues jerseys than did Joseph, a Cujo kit would be an off-the-board pick that is sure to impress.
Honourable Mentions
Al MacInnis, #2
Bernie Federko, #24
Chris Pronger, #44
San Jose Sharks
The Obvious Choice
Patrick Marleau, #12
After 19 seasons in San Jose, Marleau bade farewell to the Sharks faithful with a full-page spread in a local newspaper. Marleau departs for Toronto the Sharks franchise leader in games played, goals (every situation) and points, and second only to Joe Thornton in assists.
A fast skater, Marleau was as consistent as he was talented, playing 74 or more games in every single season, save for lockout-shortened 2012-13 (when he played all 48). He was also around for every single look the Sharks have worn, leaving the jersey hunter plenty of options.
The Correct Choice
Owen Nolan, #11
The Sharks’ first bona fide star, Nolan spent eight seasons in San Jose and introduced the Sharks their first EA Sports cowl look for NHL 2001. An influence ahead (each a hammer and a stick!), Nolan brought his tough yet skillful style of play to the Sharks, lending the workforce his offense and, simply as importantly, his full sport. A fan-favourite, Nolan served as workforce captain for a number of seasons, however is maybe finest remembered for his calling his shot on Dominik Hasek throughout the 1997 All-Star Game on the Shark Tank, capping off a hat trick (inexplicably, the NHL didn’t give him the sport MVP award). For what he meant to the franchise, Owen Nolan could be my decide for a sweater choice.
Honourable Mentions
Evgeni Nabokov, #20
Joe Thornton, #19
Mike Ricci, #18
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Obvious Choice
Martin St. Louis, #26
The Lightning’s all-time chief in assists and factors, and one of the vital constantly high-performing forwards of the post-lockout period, St. Louis was the Lightning’s finest participant by means of two crucial time intervals for the workforce. Pre-lockout, he performed a significant half of their ascension to the NHL’s summit (the place they received a Stanley Cup in 2004), averaging 66 factors per 82 video games and profitable the Art Ross, Hart and Pearson Trophies in 2003-04. Post-lockout, because the core started to say no and or disperse, St. Louis shepherded a brand new wave of Lightning gamers to stardom.
Most notably, he was the setup man for Steven Stamkos, even offering the first help on Stamkos’ sixtieth purpose in 2011-12. Though he left Tampa Bay under less-than-ideal circumstances, St. Louis will all the time be remembered as a Bolt. He additionally wore quite a few totally different Lightning sweaters, so that you’ll have rather a lot to select from.
The Correct Choice
Ruslan Fedotenko, #17
Why is a ahead who solely performed 4 seasons in Tampa Bay and whose career-high is 41 factors on this listing? Simple. Fedotenko scored each objectives in Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final, main the Lightning to their first Cup win in franchise historical past. You wanna stand out from the gang and present your hockey information? Get your self a Fedotenko jersey.
Honourable Mentions
Brad Richards, #19
Steven Stamkos, #91
Vincent Lecavalier, #4
Toronto Arenas Toronto St. Patricks Toronto Maple Leafs
The Obvious Choice
Dave Keon, #14
Chosen because the greatest Leaf of all time, Keon was an exceptional two-way centre who produced each single 12 months, whether or not or not it’s throughout the Leafs’ dynasty within the Sixties or the leaner years that adopted. Keon was a shutdown centre with great velocity, however the puck was by no means removed from the again of the opposing internet any time he was on the ice.
His Toronto numbers could be even higher, had the Leafs – despotic proprietor Harold Ballard, specifically – not run him out of city within the mid-Seventies. Keon deserves rather more respect and recognition than he will get, so why not purchase his jersey? The Leafs have by no means been capable of decide on a sweater design, so there will probably be rather a lot to select from.
The Correct Choice
Mats Sundin, #13
Sundin was by no means the participant – or captain – Toronto wished, however he was every little thing they wanted, each as a workforce and as a fanbase. Constantly missed within the annals of the Maple Leafs, which are likely to favour coronary heart/soul/gritty/sandpaper-y stars like Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark, Sundin leads the workforce in all-time objectives and factors, whereas solely taking part in the sixth-most video games in franchise historical past.
Stoic and composed, Sundin produced – to little fanfare – some extent per sport each single 12 months, throughout a time by which it had by no means been tougher to attain, persevering with this consistency post-lockout. And he achieved all this regardless of being saddled with usually laughably incompetent linemates who wouldn’t know the again of a internet if it hit them within the face. Impossible to rattle, even when confronted by the cruel Toronto media, Sundin is a mannequin for sophistication and consistency that any hockey participant would do effectively to aspire to. Though the jerseys he wore weren’t the Leafs’ strongest entries, it will be effectively well worth the aesthetic downgrade to put on his title in your again.
Honourable Mentions
Darryl Sittler, #27
Doug Gilmour, #93
Wendel Clark, #17
Vancouver Canucks
The Obvious Choice
Trevor Linden, #16
The coronary heart and soul of the Canucks for 16 seasons over two excursions of responsibility, Linden’s legend was cemented when he put the seventh-seeded workforce on his again within the 1994 playoffs, notching 25 factors in 24 video games en path to the Stanley Cup Final.
Trailing solely the Sedin twins in video games performed and assists, Daniel Sedin and Markus Naslund in objectives, and each twins and Naslund in factors, Linden was no offensive flash within the pan. Linden was a great, stable participant who performed in Vancouver for a great, very long time. A captain and fan-favourite in Vancouver, Linden performed for the Canucks in lots of uniform eras, making your selection even simpler.
The Correct Choice
Kirk McLean, #1
The complete cause the Canucks acquired to that Final within the first place was Kirk McLean. Standing on his head your entire playoffs, McLean’s most interesting second got here in Game 7 of the primary spherical in opposition to second-seeded Calgary, when his spectacular cross-crease extra time save stored the Canucks alive, permitting Pavel Bure to extinguish the Flames a interval later. The Canucks upset their option to the Final, continuing to knock off fourth-seeded Dallas and third-seeded Toronto (sure, Toronto as soon as performed within the Western Conference), earlier than falling in seven video games to the New York Rangers.
McLean acquired the Canucks nearer to glory than any goaltender earlier than or since, and deserves to be remembered as such. You’ll have a wild and loopy choice of jerseys to choose from, too. This was Vancouver within the ‘80s and ‘90s, after all.
Honourable Mentions
Daniel (#22) / Henrik (#33) Sedin
Pavel Bure, #10 / #96
Roberto Luongo, #1
Vegas Golden Knights
The Obvious Choice
Marc-Andre Fleury, #29
Marc-Andre Fleury has indeed become one of the faces of the Vegas Golden Knights’ group, so that you’d be remiss to not have a black and gold #29 jersey hanging within the closet. Much like Patrick Roy transferred his profitable methods from the Canadiens to the Avalanche, Fleury has executed the identical since leaving the Penguins and becoming a member of the Golden Knights. He backstopped the Golden Knights to a few straight playoff runs, together with a visit to the Stanley Cup Final of their inaugural 12 months.
The Correct Choice
William Karlsson, #71
If you didn’t snag a #71 jersey after William Karlsson’s breakout 2017-18 season with the Golden Knights, the second finest time to seize one could be now. After prolonged negotiations, the Swedish ahead inked an eight-year contract extension with the Golden Knights simply previous to the 2019-20 season.
Honorable Mentions
Jonathan Marchessault, #81
Nate Schmidt, #88
Ryan Reaves, #75
Washington Capitals
The Obvious Choice
Alex Ovechkin, #8
Hockey’s defibrillator, Ovechkin exploded onto the scene in 2005-06, profitable Rookie of the Year after a 52-goal,106-point marketing campaign, re-energising the flagging Washington market alongside the best way. A bodily imposing man, Ovi performs the sport flat-out, although he additionally possesses shocking finesse. What makes the Great 8 so improbable to observe is that everybody within the constructing is aware of precisely what he’s going to do, however everybody within the constructing is powerless to cease it.
Ovechkin’s effervescent joie de vivre is infectious and makes each sport he performs within the usually stale, stagnant NHL a must-watch occasion. Though you in all probability personal one thing with “Ovechkin” on it already, considered one of his jerseys, from whichever period of Caps uniform design you need – he covers all of them, could be a tremendous addition to any assortment.
The Correct Choice
Rod Langway, #5
Not a tremendously thrilling participant, even for essentially the most imaginative amongst us, Langway was a fixture on the Capitals blue line for over a decade. Langway was the quintessential defensive defenseman, and a useful a part of the aggressive Capitals groups of the Nineteen Eighties and early Nineties.
Nicknamed the Secretary of Defense, Langway’s arrival in time for the 1982-83 season buoyed the Caps to their first postseason look of their nine-year historical past, primarily by serving to minimize their objectives allowed from 338 to 283. Washington made the playoffs in every considered one of Langway’s 11 seasons there, permitting the third-fewest objectives within the league throughout that span. So why not purchase the jersey of the first participant to avoid wasting the Capitals?
Honourable Mentions
Nicklas Backstrom, #19
Olaf Kolzig, #37
Peter Bondra, #12
Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets
The Obvious Choice
Ilya Kovalchuk, #17
The franchise’s all-time chief in objectives, assists and factors, Kovalchuk is a generational scoring expertise, and undoubtedly one of the best participant in workforce historical past. Though he by no means made it to Winnipeg and needed to endure season after season of relative obscurity and early summers in Atlanta, Kovalchuk mercilessly preyed upon opposition defenses, averaging 45 objectives per 82 video games. Though the mantle might quickly be picked up by a number of of the Jets’ proficient kids, Kovalchuk remains to be the franchise bar for each expertise and manufacturing.
The Correct Choice
Johan Hedberg, #1
Johan “Moose” Hedberg is one other outdoors decide. After all, he solely performed for the Thrashers for 4 seasons and, like Kovalchuk, by no means performed for the reinstated Jets. Not to say the actual fact he’s a distant third all-time on the franchise’s wins listing. Not an particularly excellent goaltender, Hedberg was, nonetheless, a fan-favourite for his entertaining fashion of play and occasional stretches of brilliance.
Plus, he’s the right match the Thrashers/Jets entry. Why, you ask? Allow me to clarify: the Jets play out of Bell MTS Place…which can also be residence to the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose…who Hedberg used to play for…and who he’s nicknamed after. Proof of a monumental conspiracy that includes each the Government and the Illuminati, but in addition a great cause to purchase his jersey. Besides, these Thrashers kits have been candy!
Honourable Mentions
Andrew Ladd, #16
Bryan Little, #10 / #18
Dustin Byfuglien, #33
Which NHL Jersey Should You Buy?
To conclude, right here’s a Pokémon quote for you: do you keep in mind Karen, from Generation II’s Elite Four? “Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites.”
This holds true for purchasing jerseys, too. The extra selection on the market, the higher. You don’t should exit and purchase the equipment that everybody else has. You don’t have to concentrate to what everybody else thinks seems finest, or how everybody else views a given participant’s legacy.
It’s your cash. Spend it on a jersey meaning one thing to you.
* initially printed in May 2018
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