The NHL Players' Dress Code Has Transformed, and Here’s the Inside Scoop on Their New Attire Choices!
The items showcased on GQ are carefully curated by our editors, ensuring quality and style. However, it’s worth noting that we may earn commissions from retailers or through product purchases linked from this article.
Last month, the Edmonton Oilers embarked on their inaugural road journey of the NHL season, heading to New York. Marking a significant shift in league culture, the Oilers donned matching navy tracksuits for their travels—a first in NHL history! They exuded a sense of unity, style, and, crucially, comfort. While many professional teams might routinely travel in casual attire, this change is profound for the NHL. Traditionally, players had to navigate the rigors of formal dress codes, which mandated wearing full suits during their flight. This involved changing into comfortable clothing for the journey, only to switch back into their suits for the brief walk from the plane to the shuttle bus and on to the hotel. Now, however, players can embrace contemporary fashion norms for both travel and game-day attire, eliminating unnecessary formalities.
The recent relaxation of the NHL’s dress code allowed players to say farewell to previous stipulations that required them to sport jackets, ties, and dress pants during travel. This change was one of the most significant alterations introduced in the latest collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players Association, which was finalized in July. A recent player survey indicated that this particular amendment garnered the most enthusiastic response from players, as they welcomed the opportunity for greater personal expression in their attire.
Mikhail Sergachev, a two-time Stanley Cup champion and alternate captain for the NHL's newest team, the Utah Mammoth, expressed his excitement upon discovering that the implementation of this new dress policy was advanced by an entire year. "This summer, I began collaborating with a stylist, and we were both thrilled! We immediately started ordering stylish suits and looked to NBA stars and rappers for inspiration," the towering Russian defenseman shared during a conversation with GQ via Zoom.
Sergachev’s Fashion Forward Journey
Indeed, Mikhail Sergachev has emerged as one of the top trendsetters in this fresh era of NHL style. Just take a look at him flaunting a stunning studded varsity jacket before going head-to-head with the Minnesota Wild.
Fashion expert Derek Guy, who had previously advocated for the abolition of the NHL's strict dress code on social media, emphasized that the drawbacks of rigid sartorial expectations strongly outweighed any potential benefits. Many NHL players tend to adopt a conservative approach to fashion, often leading to suiting choices that feel outdated and generic. "Too often, these suiting brands are led by businesspeople rather than skilled tailors," Guy explained. “They create suits with dated silhouettes—think short jackets and slim, cropped trousers. That may be fashionable for a runway model, but it doesn’t usually flatter the average physique, let alone that of a professional athlete!"
So, if casual attire is an improvement over poorly tailored suits, how has this new wave of freedom in dressing played out? Are NHL professionals now strutting their stuff in eye-catching outfits? Not entirely.
It appears that many players have opted to retain their familiar suits, but sans the tie. Conversely, others have taken a more relaxed approach, opting for simple T-shirts or unembellished golf polos. However, a select few are showcasing a promisingly stylish direction for the league.
Some of the more fashion-forward individuals have maintained their impressive wardrobes. For example, William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs has continuously dazzled fans with creative takes on the Canadian tuxedo. Recently, he wowed audiences in a unique outfit from Acne, accessorized with a Tiffany chain and Dior loafers. His teammate, Auston Matthews, has embraced a casual streetwear aesthetic, incorporating pieces from Kith and Dior into his wardrobe. Other players, like Filip Forsberg from the Nashville Predators, have been spotted wearing playful camp collar shirts boasting vibrant prints. Notably, Joey Daccord from the Seattle Kraken made a statement by pairing a dramatic red Ferrari jacket with trendy Prada sneakers, merging the realms of NHL and Formula One.
The Next Generation of NHL Style
In the style revolution this season, both Sergachev and his Mammoth teammate, Dmitri Simashev, have made significant impressions. Sergachev, for example, showed up in one of the standout ensembles early in the season, featuring a chic blue satin Kith bomber jacket, polished sunglasses, and Rimowa luggage. Meanwhile, Simashev drew attention online for his laid-back all-black outfit matched with a Louis Vuitton Keepall bag.
Sergachev’s stylist, Nastassia Andreyanova, praised her client’s eager approach to exploring fashion. "He is such a quick learner!" Andreyanova explained over the phone from Russia. "He asks intelligent questions and shows a real interest in understanding how to combine pieces effectively. It’s astonishing how quickly he’s grasping these concepts and beginning to create looks independently!"
While the ensembles we've witnessed so far may not match the high-drama flamboyance often visible in NBA and NFL fashion statements, the beginning of this NHL season unveils a group of players more invested in style than many might have acknowledged before. Traditionalists may scoff at some of the more audacious outfits making an appearance, yet it's evident that when players feel confident in their clothing—whether that's a refined suit or a stylish casual look—it translates into their performance both on and off the ice.
What are your thoughts? Are you excited about this shift in NHL fashion, or do you prefer the traditional suit and tie look? Share your opinions below and let’s spark a discussion!
