Gone are the days of NHL players squeezing into stuffy suits for travel—a change that’s as refreshing as a breakaway 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 contrast to the league’s decades-old tradition of full suits. This wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a symbol of the NHL’s evolving identity. Before this season, players were required to don suits for travel, only to change into sweats mid-flight and then switch back for the brief walk to the team bus. It was a ritual as outdated as a slapshot from the 1980s. Now, players can skip the sartorial charade, opting for outfits that align with modern fashion norms—whether they’re flying, arriving at games, or heading to the hotel.
And this is the part most people miss: the decision to scrap the traditional dress code—which mandated jackets, ties, and dress pants—was one of the most celebrated changes in the NHL’s latest collective bargaining agreement. In a recent player poll, it topped the list of revisions players were thrilled about. Mikhail Sergachev, the Utah Mammoth’s alternate captain and two-time Stanley Cup winner, couldn’t hide his excitement when the change was moved up a year. ‘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—this just accelerated everything.’
But not everyone is on board with the new look. Menswear expert Derek Guy, who had long advocated for the dress code’s abolition, argues that the old rules forced players into outdated, ill-fitting suits. ‘Many suiting companies prioritize trends over tailoring,’ he explained. ‘Their slim, cropped styles might work for runway models, but they’re a disaster for athletes.’ Yet, even with this newfound freedom, the NHL’s style evolution is still in its early stages.
Some players have stuck to their suit-and-tie roots, minus the tie, while others have leaned into casual wear—think plain T-shirts and golf polos. But a growing number are embracing the opportunity to make a statement. Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander has been a standout, rocking Canadian tuxedos and pairing Acne sets with Tiffany chains and Dior loafers. His teammate Auston Matthews has leaned into streetwear, mixing Kith and Dior pieces, while Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg has brought fun with all-over print camp collar shirts. Even Seattle Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord merged NHL and F1 vibes with a red Ferrari jacket and Prada sneakers.
Here’s the bold question: Is the NHL ready to rival the NBA’s flamboyant fashion scene? While players like Sergachev and his teammate Dmitri Simashev—who turned heads with a Louis Vuitton Keepal bag—are pushing boundaries, the league’s style remains more understated than its basketball counterpart. Sergachev’s stylist, Nastassia Andreyanova, praises his eagerness to learn about fashion, calling him an ‘A+ student.’ But for every forward-thinking fit, there’s a traditionalist shaking their head.
So, what’s next for NHL fashion? Will players continue to experiment, or will they retreat to the safety of suits? And more importantly, does their style off the ice impact their confidence on it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—because whether you love it or hate it, the NHL’s fashion game is here to stay.
