NHL Power Rankings: The 5 Best Jerseys from Defunct NHL Teams

The National Hockey League has been in constant flux since its inception nearly a century ago.

Like most professional sports leagues, it's experienced the loss and/or relocation of a number of franchises.

Aside from a broken-hearted fanbase, these lost franchises often leave behind a history and legacy that tends to get lost in collective memory.

A big part of that forgotten history is the team's jersey.

With the loss and relocation of numerous franchises, the NHL had lost a number of beautiful jerseys that seemed to stand apart in their respective eras.

Here are the top jerseys from defunct NHL teams.

5. Montreal Maroons

For 14 seasons, the Montreal Maroons provided Montrealers with a second team to root for.

Despite winning two Stanley Cups, however, the Maroons were unable to survive the Great Depression.

Since the team folded, no organization has worn Maroon as a primary color.

I can't understand why.

I know it isn't flashy and I know that it doesn't really exude the sleek and cool essence that so many jerseys go for today.

This jersey does offer something different, however.

The maroon color was elegant. It gave the team a sense of importance.

The color pallet along with the logo was proud and simple.

For its simple elegance, this jersey easily makes this list.

4. Winnipeg Jets

Al Bello/Getty Images

27 Jan 1995: Leftwinger Keith Tkachuk of the Winnipeg Jets looks on during a game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won the game, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport

What's not to like about this jersey?

The beautiful mix of blue, white and red is a color combination that has yet to be lost in the minds of Manitobans.

The logo is sleek and simple and takes up just enough of the jersey to be noticed while avoiding overbearance.

That fact that the Winnipeg-bound Thrashers would even consider anything but this old look is a travesty.

3. Hartford Whalers

Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

31 Jan 1997: Rightwinger Kevin Dineen of the Hartford Whalers looks on during a game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won the game, 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport

Although the Whalers never really achieved much success, their jersey was a winner.

A great hockey logo is one that's simple enough that a child can doodle, while at the same time elegant enough to win the admiration of the most die-hard hockey fan.

The Whalers logo had both those elements.

Combine this with its original color pallet, and you've got a jersey that's more than worthy of making this list.

2. Quebec Nordiques

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

23 MAR 1995: JOE SAKIC OF THE QUEBEC NORDIQUES SKATES PAST A REFEREE DURING THEIR GAME AGAINST THE BUFFALO SABRES AT THE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT

This jersey simply stood out.

The royal blue color gave the sweater a sense of importance, while the fleur de lis trim makes it an absolute original.

What really helps this jersey make the list is how well it fit with the city it represented,

The jersey's similarities with the Quebec flag helped it match its city like perhaps no other in NHL history.

For this reason, the Nordiques jersey lands near the top of this list.

Fleur-de-lis

1. St. Louis Eagles

Not what you were expecting?

This may be the most beautiful of the forgotten NHL jerseys.

The St. Louis Eagles were only around for one season, but their look is absolutely timeless.

The simplicity in this jersey was great. The blue and red just pop on the white.

The red eagle in the center looked mean and proud. Its logo demonstrated determination and tenacity.

This jersey has the type of style that would still work today.

For its timeless look, the St. Louis Eagles jersey tops the list.