NHL Nostalgia: Six More Teams That Should Bring Back a Retro Jersey

By (Correspondent) on January 9, 2012

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Rick Stewart/Getty Images

In my first installment of this series, I covered six different jerseys that would be well suited for today's NHL and RBK Edge jersey design.

Since I received enough positive feedback and nods toward other noteworthy uniforms, I decided to do a second installment of this article.

Many of these jerseys are what we grew up with as young hockey fans, and while some of them weren't well received in their day, it remains true that one man's trash is another man's treasure.

These jerseys would be a fresh sight to fans of the game today, considering their unique style and compatibility with the current jersey system.

The NHL jerseys of the '90s and early 2000s were baggy and almost always looked too big and sloppy on the player. The new RBK Edge system has a tighter, more modern and light weight design created for speed.

Adding older jerseys to this style gives them a certain "edge"—no pun intended—that they didn't have before, and many retro jerseys have made successful transitions into this template. The Oilers and Capitals are just a couple of examples.

Besides all this, it's fun to reflect and recall some of the looks we used to know and love—or hate.

With that in mind, here are six more uniforms that should come out of retirement for another go around within the framework of the RBK Edge system.

Buffalo Sabres: 1996-2006

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Rick Stewart/Getty Images

This jersey marked the break in between the yellow and blue design of Buffalo's classic and current jerseys.

Though it lacks the heritage and history of the older uniforms, the logo and style it boasted was way ahead of its time. It would undoubtedly set better in the RBK Edge system.

Tampa Bay Lightning: 1996-1999

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Brian Bahr/Getty Images

The idea for this design is noteworthy, and is a great idea in theory.

The execution of that theory?

Not so much.

Putting the Lightning's logo in the middle of a rainstorm sounds cool, but the look didn't convey that same kind of power. Instead, it looked much like a child's drawing on the refrigerator.

Nevertheless, I'm all for second chances, and the concept behind this design deserves one.

Given a little more thought and a slimmer jersey, this look could work—especially with Tampa's new logo.

New York Islanders: 1995-1997

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Rick Stewart/Getty Images

The Islanders' fisherman jersey wasn't well liked by the fans. However, its logo design was more interesting and unique when compared to the circular "NY" with a hockey stick crest used throughout the franchise's history.

While it could never replace the rich heritage of the classic uniforms, the fisherman jersey would make a great third for the Islanders and would bring some life to an otherwise familiar theme.

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim: 2003-2006

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Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

This Mighty Ducks third jersey was one of the most well received in the team's short history. Fans loved the sweater and lamented its discontinuing at the end of the 2005-2006 season.

The logo bears some resemblance to Anaheim's new uniforms, though is complemented differently with a more classic sleeve piping and basic design.

Who would have thought that so much purple could be so such a great look?

The Ducks pulled it off, and would serve themselves well to incorporate a similar design.

Pittsburgh Penguins: 1995-1997

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Ian Tomlinson/Getty Images

The triangular Penguins logo was much better suited to be a shoulder patch than it was a crest.

Adding the diagonal font to the front of the sweater gave Pittsburgh's away jerseys a professional look and sleeker design.

The jersey was discarded for the 1997-1998 season, in favor of using the team's alternate jersey as their regular away uniform. The Penguins eventually reinstated the skating Penguin logo and changed the jersey design accordingly.

Though the current jerseys are an excellent look and hard to top, having this design in the arsenal—perhaps for a future Winter Classic—would be an exciting change of pace.

Minnesota North Stars: 1988-1991

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Getty Images/Getty Images

Like the Jets, this list would not be complete without due respect to the Minnesota North Stars' original uniform.

Seeing this jersey work its way into the league again would likely require an expansion team, as the original North Stars are no longer "North" after becoming the Dallas Stars in Texas, and the original location of the team has since been replaced by the Minnesota Wild.

Regardless, I wouldn't be the least bit disappointed if the Dallas Stars—despite being just about as far South in this country as you can get—decided to bring this jersey back. If for nothing else, to pay respects to the rich hockey heritage that is the Minnesota North Stars franchise.

If the Stars ever get the nod for a Heritage or Winter Classic, it isn't terribly far fetched.

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