0561: Nevermind the Early Release

Well, we're not going to let some early release rain on our parade, are we? The Wild's new road jersey showed up in official photos on their website late last night, but that won't keep me from showing some concepts anyway. Like this one from Matt McElroy, who came the closest to getting it right. Nobody planned for the squared off shoulder yoke though.

Brian Brideau has a habit of being right about these things and he too came pretty darn close. I like his take on the unlayered, solid color numbers. Gives the jersey that old-timey feel.

And Michael Baumann, well he's been here before. He submitted a concept back in January awfully similar to this. Talk about psychic, right? All three of these concepts were submitted prior to last night's reveal so they're all legitimate guesses.

No offense to these talented guys, but I'm mighty impressed with what Minnesota actually came out with. I don't think it needs to be improved upon. You?

0542: A Mighty Retro Trio

With the Ducks already confirming a "Mighty" throwback is in the works for this their 20th anniversary season, Matt McElroy lays out the intriguing possibilities that lie ahead. First, there's the classic. Can't go wrong with a little eggplant and jade. Though I might quarrel with the modern-day striping.

Then there's the white alternate worn between 1997 and 2000. Another solid look with unique sleeve striping that sets it apart from other hockey sweaters.

And of course there's the trusty black number that the club used as a third jersey during their final three seasons as the Mighty Ducks. Turned out to be a harbinger of things to come as the new Ducks have worn black ever since. Any of these three strike you as a good option for throwback fever this season in Anaheim?

0521: All-Stars in Anaheim

This is very cool! Anaheim has never hosted an NHL All-Star Game, but Matt McElroy envisions them giving it a shot in 2015 with this sharp logo. I don't really need to say anymore about it. Speaks for itself. Beautiful design.

0508: Eggplant Revival

Matt McElroy has been all over the IceHL Project lately. He's had five logos adopted by the league — and now leads all designers in that area — and submitted plenty of jersey designs. So why not let him take over the Concepts page for a day as well? Here we have his take on a Ducks jersey involving the return of eggplant and that classic duck mask. I still think it's a bit dark with all that black. What about you?

0491: Simply Canada

The prolific Matt McElroy is back on this International Sunday for another look at Team Canada. Simple and sharp. How can you beat it?