NHL players praise Hometown Remix uniforms as Florida Panthers prepare coral South Florida debut

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

The NHL’s Hometown Remix special-edition uniform, apparel and headwear program has been unveiled, and multiple players have shared early reactions ahead of the league’s first games featuring the new looks. The Florida Panthers, who play at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, will be the first team to showcase Hometown Remix when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday at 7 p.m. ET, with broadcast details listed by the NHL as DSN and SCRIPPS.

Panthers centre Anton Lundell described the club’s new jersey design as a departure from anything previously seen by the team. The Panthers’ Hometown Remix uniform features a South Florida sunrise theme, with a hockey stick and palm tree crossing in front of a rising sun. The primary color is coral, complemented by orange, yellow and navy accents, with the NHL noting that the look is the first NHL uniform to introduce a new color for the league’s teams in the program’s early set of debuts.

Lundell said the Panthers’ palette stands apart from other NHL uniforms and connected the design to South Florida’s visual identity. He also highlighted the jersey’s Miami-style feel and said the team’s approach is tied to individuality, referencing the ability to wear the jersey beyond the arena. The NHL also reports that fans lined up to buy the new Panthers jerseys Monday morning.

On the Panthers’ defensive side, Seth Jones pointed to the uniqueness of the Hometown Remix concept and said he is excited to wear the uniform. Jones also indicated he expects fan interest, tying his comments directly to the novelty purpose of Hometown Remix and its “different” positioning for the special-edition program. The NHL further reported that Jones’s remarks were part of the early player feedback following the program’s release.

Florida’s roster also included comments from other Panthers figures involved in daily team culture. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad said he planned to purchase some jerseys himself, while head coach Paul Maurice said he was not allowed near the team shop with a credit card. Maurice framed his view in terms of how he wants the Hometown Remix entry to differ from the team’s other options, pointing to his preference for a look that is distinct and reflects Florida’s identity.

The Panthers’ Hometown Remix debut comes alongside other teams rolling out new looks as part of the league’s broader 32-team program. The NHL reported that the Vegas Golden Knights are the other club introducing a new color early in Hometown Remix, with their jersey including jade inspired by felt at casino tables and a roulette wheel design on the sleeves. Golden Knights forward Jack Eichel said he generally prefers traditional jerseys but described the special-edition approach as a chance for uniqueness and flair during its limited run.

The Golden Knights’ look also drew comments from additional players. Defenseman Noah Hanifin characterized the uniform as “pretty funky,” and said he is excited to wear it as a way for fans to enjoy the new appearance on the ice. With these comments, the NHL’s report indicates the early Hometown Remix reception is centered on visual distinctiveness rather than ongoing day-to-day uniform changes.

For the Sharks, San Jose will debut one of the program’s boldest new looks during their home game against the Calgary Flames on Monday at 9 p.m. ET. The NHL described the Sharks’ edition as using “scuba blue,” a lighter shade of teal, with “shark teeth” that feature pink gums appearing around the sleeves and socks. The NHL also said the Sharks’ “SJ” mark is front and centre, with a shark swimming between the letters and its jaws open wide.

Sharks forward Will Smith described the jersey as fun and bright and said he is expecting fans to enjoy seeing the new look. Captain Macklin Celebrini added that he likes the logo, tying his reaction to the design elements central to the uniform’s theme. The report positions the Sharks’ debut as a high-contrast contrast piece within the league’s broader set of 32 designs.

The Washington Capitals are also among the teams bringing back an iconic logo for Hometown Remix. The NHL reported that Washington’s uniform features the Capital Dome logo, paired with a palette that includes layered blues, rotunda bronze and front gray. Capitals forward Alex Tuch called the scheme different and said he likes the logo, describing it as fun and exciting.

Tuch’s remarks were accompanied by comments from Tom Wilson, who said he grew up watching teammate Alex Ovechkin wear the Capital Dome logo on a black jersey. Wilson added that he views the logo’s return as “cool,” reflecting the continuity between past uniform eras and the current special-edition revival.

In Chicago, the Blackhawks will debut a green jersey in a nod to St. Patrick’s Day. The NHL reported that Chicago has worn green in warmups and that the Chicago River has been dyed green for the occasion, and that captain Connor Bedard said the timing is an “early St. Patty’s.” The NHL also reports that the Blackhawks will play the Colorado Avalanche on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, with broadcaster information listed as CHSH+ and ALT.

Bedard connected the green jersey debut to prior similar uniform usage and said he is excited to try the look on. The NHL also noted that Patrick Kane never wore a green jersey during games from 2007-23 with the Blackhawks, and that he has returned to Chicago after signing as a free agent during the offseason.

Elsewhere in the league, the NHL reported that the Boston Bruins will wear a brown Hometown Remix jersey that harkens back to their inaugural season of 1924-25 and is intended to deliver a “varsity sweater” vibe. Bruins coach Marco Sturm described the retro feel as something that should be seen on the ice and said he loves the team’s current jerseys as well, while goalie Jeremy Swayman said he enjoys all 32 Hometown Remix uniforms and appreciates the way each area is represented through hometown-specific design.

The NHL’s report also states that along with NHL.com staff writers Tom Gulitti and Tracey Myers, independent correspondents George Richards and Joe McDonald contributed to coverage of the player reactions across the league’s Hometown Remix launches.

Hometown Remix is a 32-team program, and Monday’s schedule sets the early tone for how clubs will balance their regular identity with hometown-themed visual elements. With the Panthers opening the spotlight against the Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET, fans will be able to see the coral South Florida sunrise look move from unveiling to game action first among the league’s releases.