Reports over the weekend indicate that one event that will coincide with the Toronto Maple Leafs centennial celebration next season will be a change in the club’s uniform and logo.
The Maple Leafs are expected to wear a variety of their historic jerseys during the 100th year festivities to go along with potentially hosting the 2017 NHL Draft, the All-Star Game and a Winter Classic at BMO Field, but the longer lasting changes are to move away from the more straight-lined emblem that has been in place since 1967.
The classic frilly Maple Leaf of the club’s dynastic eras (1947 to 1951 and 1962 to 1967) was replaced by a more simple design when the NHL expanded to 12 teams in 1968 and changed again two years later with wider font and straight text.
From 1970 till present day, the crest has changed little and it has been associated with the unfortunate history of the club beginning with the ownership of Harold Ballard to the club’s present day streak of playoff ineptitude.
New #Leafs logo replaces one in use since 1970; 45 years, no cups. Not the best era.
More: https://t.co/8IAqiPQIY8 pic.twitter.com/p3tGSgJdON
— Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) December 13, 2015There is not expected to be a dramatic change in design, but with the Leafs having it’s place as one of the most historic franchises in professional sport, it would be the preference of many of their fans and some who played for the franchise that the club return to the more classic emblem of the club’s glory days.
"They’ve got to go back to the old one,I like them both, to be honest with you, but I prefer the one that I wore." Hall of Famer Johnny Bower said to ESPN’s Joe McDonald. "Compare them and the old one stands out more. I have one sweater with the old one, and one sweater with the new one. Put them beside each other and the older one stands out better."
According to Sportslogos.net, one possibility is a change to a simpler, less complex emblem without text altogether, similar to that being worn by the AHL Toronto Marlies.
*******
The Maple Leafs return to action on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Center after a seven-day layoff. Toronto is tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets for 30th in the NHL with 25 points, but has 2-to-3 games in hand on most of the clubs at the bottom of the standings.
As expected following a four-game, 10-day conditioning stint with the Marlies, goalie Jonathan Bernier was recalled on Monday and will get the start on Tuesday.
“Obviously it went good for him (with the Marlies), to go down there and regain his form.… Leafs coach Mike Babcock said after practice on Monday. “That’s what’s it about, we need everyone playing the best that they can be.…
Bernier’s stay with the Marlies was generally positive but ended on a sour note with a 5-4 overtime loss to the Utica Comets on Sunday. After making 70 saves in three shutout victories over Rochester, Manitoba and Utica, Bernier allowed five goals on 26 shots, including the tying goal with the goalie pulled and 60 seconds left in regulation and a game-winning goal 16 seconds into overtime.
Goalie James Reimer took to the ice briefly at practice but is still not ready to return after re-aggravating a groin injury on December 3rd in Minnesota. Babcock indicated that Reimer was out for 10 days with the original injury and that he will be out longer to make sure he is fully recovered.
Was this where Reimer was re-injured? #Leafs pic.twitter.com/yEK2Roof0U
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) December 5, 2015Check out my appearance on the Blue N White Tonight Podcast, as we grade the Leafs management, coach Mike Babcock, the goaltenders and defense.
*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact… button at the top of the page.*******
Note : Continue to check back to my column on Hockeybuzz throughout the day for the latest Leafs updates or Follow @mikeinbuffalo on Twitter
KINDLE USERS: Please sign up for Maple Leafs Buzz, which includes a free-of-charge 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month afterwards. For more information click here.