NHL Winter Classic Uniforms: Ranking the Rangers' All-Time Jerseys

The New York Rangers are a storied franchise with a rich history. They were established in 1926 and have had many glorious years in the NHL. As a member of the Original Six, there is always some history and nostalgia associated with their jerseys.

Everyone knows and loves the simple blue and white jerseys with "Rangers" spelled out diagonally across the chest. The Rangers introduced their navy heritage jersey last year to commemorate their 85th anniversary.

There are so many jerseys to consider, so let's take a look at some of the best jerseys in Rangers history. I picked eight of the Rangers’ jerseys and provided some additional links to others. Some changes in the overall look were so minor they aren’t worth fully mentioning.

Today the potential Winter Classic jerseys were also leaked again and it appears they are the real deal. What are your feelings on the jersey?

All pictures and renderings of jerseys came courtesy of the NHL jersey database.

1929-34 Home Jersey

This early jersey is pretty close to the sweater the Rangers wear today. The major changes form their original include a darker blue base, red lettering with a white outline and stripping on the new red pants.

This jersey is a very nice look and it was very simple and elegant, like the first one. This jersey would remain popular for many years until the stripping order and coloring would be changed around.

This jersey is most popular in artwork surrounding the hallways leading into Madison Square Garden.

1970-76 Home Jersey

In 1970, the Rangers became one of the first NHL squads to stitch players’ names on the back of jerseys. This jersey featured updated font once again by placing a royal blue coloring surrounded by a “Ranger Red” outline.

The pants were updated again to feature white and blue striping with red running down the sides. This jersey was popular and should have remained the team’s jersey for the whole decade.

However, the team went in a different direction and the fans were not pleased.

Here is a link to said jerseys and it should be noted that the man responsible for the decision was not with the Rangers for long after that. 

1951-63 Away Jersey

In 1951, the NHL required all teams to wear two jerseys. The Rangers unveiled this white jersey, which is very similar to the jersey they wear today.

The striping at the bottom of the jersey became a Rangers staple. The tie-up on the neck of the jersey also became a popular trend for many NHL teams. What I love about this jersey is the font and visual striping on the arms.

This is a simple and popular look that the Rangers have since replicated.

1978-87 Away Jersey

In 1978, the Rangers once again made an attempt to modernize their look. This one would stick as the diagonal "New York" font was repeated with the 2010-11 Heritage jersey.

The font and major coloring remained the same, and the only major change was the diagonal font. The numbers on the arm also carried over as team the added the numbering years earlier.

Reebok Edge Home and Away Jerseys

When Reebok became the official jersey provider of the NHL, they updated the look and coloring with their “Edge” look. This look changed the overall look and feel of the jerseys. The material was lighter, more airy and breathable.

This allowed players to be more aerodynamic on the ice. The Rangers were able to retain their classic look, but the colors and striping were more vibrant and pronounced.

I love these jerseys and own a few of these.

1926-27 Home Jersey

The original Rangers sweater was simple and elegant. It had all the colors of the American flag and it was fitting for the time.

The Roaring Twenties were in full swing and American pride was very high. It was a few years before the start of the Great Depression, so these jerseys are very symbolic of bright and cherry thoughts.

The Rangers would make simply changes to this design over the years, but this jersey is where it all started. 

Current Heritage Jersey

The New York Rangers unveiled this jersey last year. It takes elements from the 1978-87 away jersey and the original 1926-27 home jersey.

The diagonal "New York" lettering and cream font and striping meshed well with the heritage navy blue and “Ranger red."

This look will stay around for the near future as it has become a fan favorite. This could be replaced with the leaked Winter Classic jersey over time, but we shall see.

1997-98 Lady Liberty Jersey

This jersey is probably one of the most popular in Rangers’ history. Fans loved this sweater. It started off as a practice jersey and evolved into a fan favorite.

The navy blue with Lady Liberty on the front gave the Rangers a new, modernized look. It was still very elegant as it featured the familiar Rangers crest on the shoulder pads.

The diagonal stripping on the arms was also a nice touch as it was a change from the ordinary.

This jersey would be repeated in white and you can view it here. This one was almost as popular and it was worn by the "Great One" himself, Wayne Gretzky.

Comments, Questions, Concerns?

Fellow NHL and Rangers jersey enthusiasts, what were some of your favorite jerseys? Did yours make the cut? Did I forget a classic favorite?

Leave a comment or question in the section below to get the conversation going.

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist. For more NHL free-agent news, updates and alerts about players: