Gone are the days of NHL players squeezing into stuffy suits for travel—a change that’s as refreshing as a power play goal in overtime. But here’s where it gets controversial: the league’s new relaxed dress code has sparked a fashion revolution on the ice, and not everyone is ready to trade in their ties for tracksuits. Let’s dive into how this shift is reshaping the NHL’s style game—and why it’s about more than just comfort.
Last month, the Edmonton Oilers made headlines when they boarded a flight to New York in matching navy tracksuits, a stark departure from the league’s decades-old tradition. For context, until this season, NHL players were required to wear full suits to and from games, even if it meant changing into sweats mid-flight. This wasn’t just a quirky rule—it was a symbol of the league’s old-school image. But the latest collective bargaining agreement flipped the script, allowing players to dress in outfits that align with ‘contemporary fashion norms.’ And guess what? Players are loving it. In fact, a recent poll revealed this was the change they were most excited about.
Take Mikhail Sergachev, the Utah Mammoth’s alternate captain and two-time Stanley Cup winner. When he learned the dress code change was being fast-tracked, he couldn’t hide his excitement. ‘I started working with a stylist this summer,’ he told GQ over Zoom. ‘We were already planning suits and drawing inspiration from NBA players and rappers.’ Sergachev’s enthusiasm isn’t unique—players across the league are embracing this newfound freedom, though not everyone is ditching suits entirely.
And this is the part most people miss: the old dress code wasn’t just outdated—it was impractical. Menswear expert Derek Guy, who advocated for the change, pointed out that the suits NHL players wore often looked like relics from 2010. ‘Many of these companies prioritize business over tailoring,’ he explained. ‘Their trendy, slim-fit styles might work for models, but they’re a mismatch for athletes.’ So, while some players are sticking to suit-sans-tie looks, others are experimenting with casual styles—from plain T-shirts to golf polos. But it’s the small, growing group of fashion-forward players that’s stealing the spotlight.
William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs, for instance, has been turning heads with his Canadian tuxedo spins, pairing Acne sets with Tiffany chains and Dior loafers. His teammate Auston Matthews is leaning into streetwear, mixing Kith and Dior pieces. Meanwhile, Nashville’s Filip Forsberg is rocking fun, all-over print shirts, and Seattle Kraken’s Joey Daccord merged NHL and F1 vibes with a red Ferrari jacket and Prada sneakers. Even Sergachev and his teammate Dmitri Simashev are making waves—Sergachev with a blue satin Kith bomber and Rimowa luggage, and Simashev with a sleek all-black Louis Vuitton ensemble.
But here’s the question: Is the NHL ready to rival the NBA’s bold fashion statements? While players haven’t yet reached the flamboyant heights of their basketball counterparts, the early weeks of this season prove there’s a growing passion for style on the ice. Sergachev’s stylist, Nastassia Andreyanova, praised his eagerness to learn, calling him an ‘A+ student’ who’s already curating outfits himself. Yet, traditionalists are divided—some scoff at the more daring looks, while others applaud the confidence players exude, whether in suits or streetwear.
So, what do you think? Is the NHL’s new dress code a slam dunk, or does it risk losing the league’s classic charm? Let us know in the comments—this fashion face-off is just getting started.
