Coach Lalonde Thinks Red Wings’ Reverse Retro Jerseys “Pop”

Coach Derek Lalonde gave a rave review to the Detroit Red Wings’ new Reverse Retro jersey. But it came with a disclaimer.

“You see my wardrobe, though,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m the expert on it but I thought they were awesome.”

The NHL released the first look at the 2022 adidas Reverse Retro jerseys for all 32 teams on Thursday. The Red Wings’ version highlights black trim on the jersey, pants, socks, gloves and helmet. According to the NHL release, the jersey is a salute to the 1991 NHL 75th anniversary season. The inspiration is the 1920 Detroit Cougars jersey. Detroit’s NHL team started as the Cougars and then changed their name to the Falcons in 1930 before becoming the Red Wings after James Norris bought the team in 1932.

The @adidashockey x @NHL #ReverseRetro jerseys are here! 🤩

Which team do you think has the best design? pic.twitter.com/LnoZtjiXsV

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 20, 2022

Saluting History

The Reverse Retro jerseys are supposed to show off strong colors and serve as a tribute to each club’s past. The jerseys took two years to design. The San Jose Sharks Reverse Retro jersey pays homage to the 1974 California Golden Seals by adopting their color scheme.

The Philadelphia Reverse Retro salutes their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1974 and 1975.  It has a thin black outline surrounding the crest to match the one worn in 1974. The Pittsburgh Reverse Retro is a reminder of the jersey Mario Lemieux would have worn in the 1990s.

These alternative jerseys will go on sale on Nov. 15, and the cost in the U.S. will be between $190 and $240.

The league said the teams will wear the jerseys at least two times and up to eight times. The Red Wings are scheduled to wear their jersey six times, starting Monday March 28 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“I loved them,” Lalonde said. “They’re awesome. I think they’re classy, they pop.”

Players seemed to like them as they looked at them after practice at Little Caesars Arena Thursday. They have received mixed reviews on social media.