On Thursday, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings unveiled their jerseys for the 2025 Stadium Series. The forward-focused designs, the first to be designed by the NHL’s new manufacturer Fanatics, take heavy inspiration from new sources previously untapped by both franchises; Columbus’ potential tie-ins to military aesthetics, and Detroit’s rich history with the automotive industry.
The Blue Jackets’ first new-from-the-ground-up jersey since the cannon alternates were introduced in 2010 takes heavy military inspiration. The cannon from those jerseys is freed from those jersey’s roundel. The new mark is on a navy jersey with silver and red, military-inspired chevron striping, with a large grey stripe coming to a point on the arm. A matching hem and red trim, as well as a new CBJ shoulder patch which the team describes as “a nod to the unit designation pins worn on the front of soldier’s slouch caps.” Those familiar with CBJ branding will recognize the motif from the old shoulder patch used until 2015. Detailing includes the captains’ patches being in the state of Ohio, not unlike the old Cleveland Barons, and “Columbus Blue Jackets” being written in the inside collar along with Buckeye leaves. The pants’ striping reflects the hem, with the star from the primary logo isolated, and Columbus’ standard name and number font completes the look.
Detroit is repping their auto industry of their home city on their uniform. The design is built around a red script wordmark, designed to resemble an automotive insignia, but also not unlike those that the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, and several other collegiate teams use on their uniforms. The white jersey has basic red striping, meant to resemble a racecar’s striping and debossed to match, and as far as I’m aware, the first helmet racing stripe in NHL history. The pants also feature a “Hockeytown” wordmark, and the helmet has oversized wings like the mask Jim Rutherford wore in the 1970s.

Hype has been building around the unveil for a while now, and the initial rumor was that the NHL was waiting for Ohio State to finish their run in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, who are hosting the Stadium Series in the Horseshoe on March 1, play for the National Championship on Monday. That timeline also aligns with the unveil date last year, January 26th, though the games last year were two weeks earlier in mid-February. However, late Monday night, a souvenir puck leaked with the two teams’ logos, which may have accelerated the timeline.
If I’m being honest, Detroit’s jersey is fine. Solid from top to bottom, but it doesn’t really try anything new, and aside from the helmet stripe, could pass equally well as a Winter Classic uniform. It doesn’t really wow me, or make me get excited for a once-a-decade game.
But Columbus, though. Wow. This finally feels like what the Blue Jackets brand was always meant to be. Aggressive yet simple. Innovative yet recognizable. Finally embracing a design direction other than a full-length yoke that was outdated the day they introduced it. It’s so, so good. It’s the best jersey in Blue Jackets history (low bar is low).
For those who read my three-part Stadium Series jersey rankings, I’d place Detroit’s at #16, between the 2020 Avalanche and 2018 Maple Leafs. Our design honestly could be #1 for me. It’s exemplifies what this team’s brand should be like the 2022 Lightning, but it has the consistency and restraint to pass as a full-time option. It is, in every sense of the word, elite.
Now, all there is to do is wait. The Blue Jackets are currently holding down the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference and are on a five-game winning streak. The Red Wings are four points out at 20-19-4. The puck drops on the 2025 Stadium Series from Ohio Stadium on Saturday, March 1 at 6:00 PM. In the meantime, enjoy some glamor shots of these brand-new uniforms.








