NHL Style Rankings: Stunning Outfits Ring in the New Year Around the League
Maybe NHL players took the holiday break to do a little suit shopping, maybe dressing well is a popular New Year's resolution, or maybe guys were waiting for the second half of the season to really start dressin'.
Whatever the reason, there's been an influx of extra strong pregame looks across the league since January 1. I'm certainly not complaining, but the first style rankings of 2023 feature some of the toughest calls of the season so far.
Hopefully, the competition stays this heated for the rest of the season. Without further ado, I present to you the best fits of the new year—so far.
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10. Rasmus Dahlin Debuting at No. 10
Two strong looks from Dahlin have landed him his first style rankings appearance of the season. Something about the monochrome blue is really doing it for me. It's like all the pieces are pretty boring on their own, but together they turn a regular suit and a regular shirt into a fun, cohesive moment.
By the way, the color palette here is screaming Miami Vice, which is this year's All-Star Game theme. Just sayin'.
9. Mitch Marner Previously: Unranked
Highest ranking of the season: No. 6
I can't think of anyone who embodies the phrase "Nice guy, tries hard, loves the game" quite like Mitch Marner these days. He might be trying a little too hard for my taste with the hats, hence the No. 9 spot.
But I do appreciate the velvet hat rounding out the bubblegum look, and of course, I appreciate the attempt at range. Do I think an OVO letterman jacket and huge hat make sense together? No, but I love the jacket. Do I love bright red in the middle of the winter?
Maybe not.
Sometimes it takes a few experiments to really hone your personal style, though, and Marner is braver than most for actually trying.
8. Adam Lowry
Previously: No. 7
Highest ranking of the season: No. 7
OK, J. Crew magazine! Lowry is debuting his new haircut and his cozy sweater collection at the same time, and I am here for it. Jets teammate Pierre-Luc Dubois is constantly advocating for a looser dress code, and it looks like it's rubbing off on the whole team.
7. Jakob Chychrun Debuting at No. 7
Between the puffy jacket and the scarf, Chychrun's style rankings debut doubles as confirmation that he can handle a trade to a colder city.
The quality of his fits has been consistent no matter how casual, and the teal suit is a tremendous look for him.
6. Victor Hedman
Debuting at No. 6
One of the biggest NHL fashion icons of the decade has finally made his style rankings season debut at a respectable No. 6.
You might have noticed designer/stylist Tom Marchitelli, aka Gentleman's Playbook, commented "Rosé all day" on this post, and that's exactly the carefree, stylish Tampa Bay vibe Hedman is exuding. Marchitelli's suits always stand out to me because of his exquisite tailoring, and this one is no different.
Can I also say I love the hair?
5. Tage Thompson Previously: No. 3
Highest ranking of the season: No. 3
At the time of writing this, I still haven't decided if I actually, objectively like this outfit or not. Sometimes it's just more complicated than that, and in this case, I'm looking beyond my own taste to acknowledge something more important.
I don't know if I love this, but I do know that I love how much Thompson seems to love it. Not only is he moving with an undeniable swagger, but he took the suit jacket off with a purpose. I don't really understand the pattern combinations here, and I'm questioning the color choice when it comes to the sneakers.
So what?
Thompson's confidence and obvious love of his outfit are persuading me to love it too. That's the real magic of fashion.
4. Patrik Laine Previously: Unranked
Highest ranking of the season: No. 1
I don't know exactly why, but out of all of the daring looks Laine's put together over the years, this relatively simple black-and-yellow moment immediately became one of my favorites.
We've gotten so used to him taking big swings and experimenting with patterns that it's become his normal. We expect risks from Laine, and we expect him to lead the way when it comes to fashion innovation in the NHL. The bar is higher for him.
In a way, simplicity has become a risk and a challenge for Laine. This was him reminding us all that even though he gravitates towards the grandiose, he can still do simply better than most of the league.
It feels meta, and I love that.
3. Tom Wilson
Debuting at No. 3
Wilson missed the first three months of the season rehabbing a torn ACL, and we sorely missed his fashion sense. No one in the league does it better when it comes to classic, formal attire, and he didn't miss a beat upon his return to the catwal—hallway.
2. William Nylander Previously: No. 9
Highest ranking of the season: No. 2
Nylander's shoe collection is unmatched, and so is the Maple Leafs' social media team for deciding to showcase it—and many of Nylander's looks—this year.
I love everything about this outfit, from the unique pink-purple shade, to the way the white accents pull it all together in bookend fashion with the shoes and the beanie and to Nylander's utter nonchalance about it all.
No one's surprised Willy Styles is starting 2023 off strong.
1. David Pastrňák Previously: No. 10
Highest ranking of the season: No. 1
Pastrňák has taunted diehard Maple Leafs fan Justin Bieber via social media several times throughout the Bruins-Leafs rivalry.
"Not today, Justin" was the first thing that popped into my head when the Boston Globe's Matt Porter tweeted the above photo Monday. I'd slated Nylander for the No. 1 spot, but Pastrňák swept in and reminded us why he's the reigning style rankings king with his first No. 1 appearance of the season.
I'll always have a soft spot for innovation and risk-taking in such a uniform league, not to mention contemporary high fashion is trending toward an androgynous style. While I wish Pastrňák painted his nails on his own accord, he looks badass regardless. I love that he wasn't embarrassed, telling Porter he "kinda [likes] it" and hinting towards a "next time."
He's hardly the first man to paint his nails, but this is the NHL, and as far as I know, he's the first NHL player to do so and acknowledge it. And again, we're seeing the look good, play good theory in action with 10 points and eight goals in his last five games.
The burnt orange suit was enough to secure Pastrňák's spot in this week's top 10. The painted nails, powder blue suit and fun sneakers are a statement.
Honorable Menton: Seth Jarvis
Like many things when it comes to Hurricanes youth Seth Jarvis, I don't know exactly what to do with this, but I love it.
He came prepared for Carolina's NASCAR theme night, and you have to respect it. It's too much of a costume to qualify for an actual spot on the rankings, but I appreciate the effort and dedication.
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