Imagine this: you’re a professional hockey player, and you’ve just rolled out of bed in a hotel room, only to realize you’ll spend the next 12 hours putting on and taking off the same uncomfortable suit. It’s exhausting, and it’s no wonder players like Utah’s Mikhail Sergachev are thrilled about the NHL’s new dress code. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some players are embracing the freedom to wear T-shirts, jeans, and even motorcycle jackets, others are clinging to tradition, sparking a debate about professionalism, identity, and the future of hockey’s image.
In early September, the NHL relaxed its dress code as part of changes to the collective bargaining agreement. Gone are the days of mandatory suits and ties. Players like Sergachev, a defenseman for the Utah Mammoth, couldn’t be happier. ‘They’re uncomfortable,’ Sergachev told The Athletic, describing the tedious routine of donning and ditching suits throughout the day. ‘It just gets old.’
But not everyone is ready to ditch their tailored attire. Take Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, who, fresh off his summer break, voiced concerns about maintaining professionalism. ‘We’re one of the top leagues in the world,’ he said. ‘I think it’s important to represent ourselves well.’ His teammates followed suit—literally—self-imposing a business casual dress code for the 2025-26 season. And this is the part most people miss: their decision isn’t just about tradition; it’s a statement about how they want to be perceived in an era where NFL and NBA players have long embraced bold, individualistic styles.
The divide doesn’t stop there. While some players, like the Senators’ Linus Ullmark, see suits as a symbol of respect for the game, others, like Chicago Blackhawks forward Jason Dickinson, feel out of place dressing casually. ‘I feel like a fan,’ Dickinson admitted. ‘I don’t want that to be my mentality coming into the game.’ Meanwhile, players like Sergachev are experimenting with their style, hiring stylists and drawing inspiration from icons like Michael Jordan and Lewis Hamilton. His efforts paid off when he and teammate Dmitri Simashev were featured in GQ for their pregame outfits.
The NHL’s style evolution is also raising questions about branding and sponsorship. As players like the Senators’ Drake Batherson point out, athletes in other leagues often use their outfits to showcase sponsors. ‘If I was sponsored by a brand, I’d wear it, too,’ he said. But the NHL is still catching up, leaving players to navigate the balance between personal expression and league expectations.
So, where do you stand? Is the NHL’s relaxed dress code a step forward in allowing players to express themselves, or does it risk undermining the league’s professional image? And should teams like the Senators be applauded for preserving tradition, or are they holding back progress? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
