NHL Considers Changes to Jersey Colors for Road and Home Games

TORONTO, Canada — The NHL is reportedly exploring the possibility of reverting to traditional home and away jersey color protocols, where home teams would don white jerseys while visitors wear dark. This potential shift, discussed among league officials and reported by The Hockey News editor Ryan Kennedy, may also include more color-on-color matchups in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) set to be negotiated in early 2025.

For decades, the NHL has seen various jersey rules evolve. Traditionally, from 1955 to 1970, home teams wore colored jerseys and visitors wore white. This switched from 1970 to 2004, where the opposite became standard. Since then, home teams have used color jerseys in most matchups, although there have been sporadic instances of teams opting for whites.

The move back to white at home could satisfy fans nostalgic for the pre-2003 era. “I’m in favor of white at home as I grew up with that being the norm,” said one fan. “There’s something special about seeing the home team in white. It’s clean, crisp, and showcases the unique colors of visiting teams.”

Historical context shows fluctuating opinions among different generations of fans. Newer fans may only know home teams wearing dark jerseys, while older ones associate home whites with a prime era of hockey. According to Kennedy’s tweet, there are questions about how color-on-color matchups would play out, especially considering potential clashes between teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Iain MacKenzie, a long-time NHL affiliate and designer, commented, “A full return to white at home could enhance the experience for fans and allow for more special moments, like unique matchups.” The NHL’s current CBA is set to expire in 2026, giving this topic a timeline aligned with future negotiations.

In recent games, teams have clearly seen the benefits and drawbacks of the current system. Toronto, for instance, has excelled in their current environment, boasting one of the league’s best power plays, while also emphasizing the importance of strategic jersey selections. The Sceptres have scored at least three goals in their last seven games, which could reflect their performance under various jersey designs.

“We’re all about focusing on the little things, including consistent performances on the ice,” said Sceptres forward Hayley Scamurra. “The energy and strategy we bring translates to our success, and I think our uniforms should also reflect that.”

Generally, the excitement surrounding jersey color strategies indicates a growing interest among fans, particularly regarding nostalgia and preferences. As organizations like the NHL look to maintain fan engagement and attendance, the return to traditional home jerseys may breathe new life into hockey culture.

“Whether it’s white or color at home, the ultimate goal is creating an engaging experience for the fans,” said former NHL player and analyst Jeff O’Neill. “It’s a delicate balance, but whatever the jerseys, they should tell a story unique to each franchise.”

As the league edges closer to talks regarding the new CBA and potential jersey color guidelines, fans await to see how these changes would reshape the on-ice landscape for their beloved teams.