The word “good not amazing” comes to mind if I were to sum up the NHL fashion scene over the first month of the 2022–23 season.
Patrik Laine of the Blue Jackets has the market cornered on bangers. David Pastrnak, the first-place finisher in the style rankings, is not present off the ice (on the ice is a completely different story).
I’d want to see a lot more innovation going forward. However, it also seems as though the league as a whole is generally evolving toward more stylish play.
I suppose I’ll accept it.
Just a friendly reminder that you can see the original NHL style rankings every other Wednesday right here on Bleacher Report. Let’s go on to Round 2 now.
Adam Lowry 10.
Prior to this: Unranked
Hats and I have a well-documented love-hate relationship; I adore them when they truly enhance an ensemble, and I detest them when they appear to be accessories. Adam Lowry, a forward with the Jets, has a sizable hat collection. Because of this, Lowry has had a hit-or-miss past with the style rankings, but his 2022–23 debut is a success.
Even the greyscale is seamless in this outfit, which includes the cap. And if you’re going to wear a hat, the hat and pinstripe combination is your best bet.
In addition, Lowry included a touch of red to honour the Jets’ Heritage Blues. Please take heed, social media managers: We need more images of shoes!
Erik Karlsson 9.
Prior to this: Unranked
Erik Karlsson, a defenseman for the Sharks, is somehow making his season debut as well as his first appearance in the style rankings since they were introduced in the previous campaign. But with this tweed outfit, the typically fashionable Swede has finally succeeded. He looks fantastic in this shade of blue, and overall it’s a stylish and well-done finish.
He also earned his first career hat trick on Tuesday while wearing the second look when he rolled in to the arena. Play well, look well, and other such things. What a way for Karlsson to begin the year!
Tage Thompson 8.
Prior to this: Unranked
Forward Tage Thompson of the Sabres is a player I like more and more as I learn more about him. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song “Fishin’ In The Dark” was chosen by the Sabres as their individual goal song for the season. He then recorded it three times for the audience after scoring a hat trick at home.
I’m not sure whether it’s a coincidence or if his appearance has been mirroring his play lately, but he’s had six goals and 12 points in nine games. Given that he is 6’6″, he earns bonus points for the tailoring “.
- Mathieu Joseph Prior to this ranking:
Senators forward Mathieu Joseph makes his season debut at number seven. Mathieu Joseph is your favourite fashion icon’s favourite fashion idol.
Where even do we start with this one? Simply put, Joseph is smashing the double breast. Additionally, you may be a touch theatrical with the hat while going double-breasted. Good work.
Patric Hörnqvist No. 6
Prior to this: Unranked
Patric Hörnqvist, a forward for the Panthers, is showing off his wide range in these early-season shots, offering the audience a taste of everything. Additionally, I adore the colour combination of the second outfit, which features brown shoes and various hues of green. Earthy tones are best.
Nikita Zadorov No. 5
Prior to this: Unranked
Nikita Zadorov, a defenceman with the Flames, did not rise in the style rankings just because he called me out.
He has been on my radar for a long, to be entirely honest with you—he has previously made the ranks! However, it’s a “what have you done for me lately?” league, and earlier this season, his tailoring was preventing him from progressing.
I am aware that tailoring is challenging for big men, and Zadorov is 6’5″ “His height isn’t helping him in that regard, but he’s sorted it out with his most recent appearance, and it’s great. I apologise if I ever questioned you.
William Nylander 4.
Prior to this: Unranked
Sometimes, when I consider all the costumes we’ve lost out on since there aren’t any pictures, I genuinely cry. Not only that, Mikhail Sergachev once informed me that Andrei Vasilevskiy comes at the rink too early to avoid the paparazzi.
And the focus here is playing hockey, not our style rankings’ wishes and requirements. Pastrnak is on a heater, so I’ll assume that’s why we haven’t seen his appearance in a while—we have to let him cook.
Anyway, thanks to Twitter user @9kempe for seeing forward William Nylander’s pose here; without his help, I would have completely missed it. I’m delighted that we are finally experiencing some of Nylander’s flair, which is well-known around the league.
The shoes, the mint, and the hair. You have to adore it.
- Patrik Laine No. 1 previously
Laine’s risk-taking, especially when it seems like no one else is, is something I will always admire. Here is his most recent example of astronaut chic, which continues the season’s first month’s motif of outer space that I’ve been adoring.
We need to keep in mind that there is absolutely no shame in not being No. 1 every single week since we all hold him to a high standard around here. Laine remains in the top three thanks to this appearance and one of his second-photo repeating outfits, which is one of my favourites.
- Linus Ullmark Earlier: No.
Has a new Bruins-inspired symbol emerged recently? No offence meant to Pastrnak, who for some reason hasn’t appeared in many pictures. But lately, Linus Ullmark has been as reliable as he has been remarkable, and reliability earns you bonus points.
If you’re going to wear a three-piece suit, make a huge impression. I have been supportive of Ullmark’s strategy during the first month of the season.
K’Andre Miller, first
Prior to this: Unranked
The wrath from Blueshirt Nation was apparent when Rangers defender K’Andre Miller failed to make the first round of the season’s style rankings. Miller merits the attention, to be honest.
Before the initial rankings, I saw two suits from him that I didn’t detest but also didn’t adore. I think part of that has to do with how high I hold him to be. On October 20, when I watched him in this masterwork, I felt vindicated, and even though I gave everyone else a fair chance, I kind of knew he’d be making his debut at No. 1.
Miller, who is only 22 years old, is already creating a reputation for himself both on and off the ice thanks to his promise as a member of this youthful Rangers core and his classy New York City-inspired style. It’s not necessary for his appearance to be the loudest in the room.
Using this image as an example This pink and red colour combination has been in the NHL a few times recently, and each time it has looked fine. However, Miller elevates himself to a whole other level in this picture thanks to the texture of the red suit and tie and the contrast with the pink shirt. He doesn’t need a crazy pattern or hat when you consider the peace sign gesture, the spectacles, and the coordinated phone case.
Everyone is aware that he has it.
Is it fair to say that Miller reminds me of King Henrik Lundqvist with his understated yet confident swagger?
