No Winter Classic Jerseys In The Playoffs

St. Louis Blues fans who were eager to see the classically-inspired Winter Classic uniform kit emerge in the Stanley Cup playoffs are bound for disappointment, as an NHL source confirmed to Game Time that the team will not be allowed to wear the uniforms this spring.

Reached via email, NHL Group Vice President of Communications John Dellapina explained that the Winter Classic jerseys, as “event” jerseys, differ from “alternate” jerseys.

“Unless an ‘event’ jersey is designated as a team's third jersey for the season, it only can wear it for the designated event,” said Dellapina.

“An ‘event’ jersey can be used for a specified number of additional games. A ‘third’ jersey more often. Blues used up their allotted number of wearings,” he continued.

Dellapina explained that he “[didn’t] know” whether the Blues requested permission from the league to exceed that allotment. Given that the team’s rally towels feature the Winter Classic design, it may be fair to assume that some attempt was made. Game Time did not request comment from the team.

Given previous reports which suggest that NHL teams will not have alternate uniform styles in the 2017-18 season while Adidas transitions to manufacturing jerseys, it would appear likely that the popular Winter Classic jerseys will remain on the shelf for at least the next 18 months, pending further developments.