Report: Maple Leafs getting new logo, uniform for 2016 centennial season
The Maple Leafs are in the process of a major rebranding that will include a change to the iconic maple leaf logo, which has been mostly untouched since 1970.
Report: Maple Leafs getting new logo, uniform for 2016 centennial seasonWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs turn 100 years old next season, they will reportedly have an entirely different look. That’s according to Chris Creamer’s Sportslogos.net website.
Creamer broke the news Sunday that the Maple Leafs are in the process of a major rebranding that will include a change to the iconic maple leaf logo, which has been mostly untouched since 1970.
“The Maple Leafs are expected to unveil both a new logo and entirely new uniforms in time for the 2016-17 season which will be their 100th as a franchise in the National Hockey League.
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After evolving their logo steadily throughout the 43 years following their adoption of the “Maple Leafs” name in 1927, the team has made only very minor changes to their logo in the 45 years since.” These kinds of rebranding initiatives and logo re-designs are not uncommon in professional sports – just last week
the Florida Panthers announced similar changes are coming. But it’s rare, and potentially dangerous, for an Original Six team like the Maple Leafs to undertake any drastic changes. The new look will be heavily scrutinized so the organization needs to get it exactly right. What’s unclear in the report is if the new look will be permanent or if it’s temporary as part of their centennial celebrations. In 2017-18, the NHL’s
new partnership with Adidas kicks in and all 30 jerseys are expected to undergo changes to fit the three-striped brand, though nothing drastic is expected right away. The jerseys will reportedly be “a combination of all past team eras plus a nod to the future.” Is that worrisome or comforting for Maple Leafs fans? There is obviously a rich history to draw upon (the Leafs
wore fantastic throwbacks in the 2014 Winter Classic) but going too far in a modern look could upset a passionate fan base. Tread lightly, MLSE.
