Colorado Avalanche win Adidas Reverse Retro launch with Nordiques-inspired alternate jersey

Over the past few weeks, the NHL and Adidas have been teasing a new Reverse Retro line of alternate jerseys for each team. Monday morning, the entire lineup was unveiled and without a question, the Colorado Avalanche have the best one.

Using the iconic igloo logo with a fleur-de-lis theme, Adidas and the Avalanche decided to create a jersey inspired by the team’s history as the Nordiques while also incorporating the team’s current color palate. For years, the Avs created alternates that celebrate the history of hockey in Colorado, but now for the first time, they have gone back to their roots in Quebec.

With this season being the 25th anniversary of the Nordiques’ relocation to Denver, it has long been speculated that the Avalanche would pay homage to their history with a retro throwback. Most assumed that would mean the team would sport the old blue Nordiques jerseys. Instead, the team one-uped those by updating the look to meld the old with the team’s current look.

Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images

This update is a drastic improvement on an already spectacular jersey.

Fans had glimpses at what the new alternate jerseys may look like when Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen teased blue equipment in separate Instagram posts. It feels safe to say the jerseys revealed Monday exceeded even the most positive of fan expectations.

“The reverse retro jersey is unique in that it represents our club’s rich history and bright future, utilizing the Nordiques’ iconic marks and remixed in the Avalanche’s beloved burgundy and blue,” said Declan Bolger, senior vice president & chief marketing officer for the Avs. “The sweater pays tribute to the franchise’s time in Quebec City, the first 25 seasons in Colorado, and will be popular for not only Avalanche and Nordiques fans, but for all fans of the game.”

Without any announcement as to when or how often the Avalanche will wear these new jerseys, it stands to reason that they will replace the team’s old Rockies-inspired alternates. Being mainly white, Colorado may have more of an opportunity to wear them, as most other designs in the Reverse Retro lineup are dark.

The amazing jerseys are already available for pre-order for those who want to get their hands on them. They are expected to be delivered by the start of December for those who want to put it on their Christmas list.

The Quebec Nordiques began playing in the World Hockey Association in 1972 before joining the NHL as part of a four-team expansion in 1979. This is the first time the Avalanche have paid homage to the franchise’s history in Quebec since they moved to Colorado in 1995.

Now comes the tough task of trying to decide whether to get MacKinnon, Makar, Girard, Kadri or someone else on the back of this beautiful jersey.