Oilers’ McFarlane Jersey Still Divides Opinion After 24 Years
Twenty-four years after its debut, the Edmonton Oilers' Todd McFarlane-designed third jersey remains a topic of heated debate among fans. Unveiled on October 26, 2001, the jersey, a collaboration between the Oilers and the famed comic book artist, was a radical departure from the team's traditional look.
Designed by McFarlane, known for his work on Spawn and Spider-Man, the jersey was navy blue with silver and white accents and a lace-up collar. The "Oil Drop" logo was given a futuristic makeover, surrounded by a gear and blades, shooting across the chest. This was a stark contrast to the classic Oilers aesthetic, which typically featured the team's original crest and traditional colors of blue and copper.
The reaction to the jersey was immediate and polarized. Some fans embraced the bold new design, while others considered it an abomination. Online forums and social media platforms became battlegrounds for heated discussions, with opinions ranging from "greatest Oilers jersey ever" to "ugliest in NHL history". Even now, the mere mention of the McFarlane jersey is enough to ignite passionate arguments among Oilers fans.
Patrick Laforge, the Oilers' CEO and president in 2001-02, noted the jersey broke NHL records for third jersey sales in both units and dollars. The organization continued to use the McFarlane jersey until the league switched to the Reebok Edge jersey in the 2007-08 season.
McFarlane himself addressed the design process, stating that he aimed to blend a futuristic logo with a traditional jersey design. He also mentioned that some team officials wanted to incorporate copper and red, but he advocated for a simpler color palette. The five rivets on the logo were intended to symbolize the Oilers' five Stanley Cup wins.
The jersey's legacy extends beyond its aesthetic qualities. It represented a bold move by the Oilers to capture the attention of a younger demographic and create a more contemporary image. It was a departure from the team's tendency to cling to tradition, both in terms of personnel and visual identity.
In the years since its discontinuation, the McFarlane jersey has maintained a cult following. Fans can occasionally be spotted at Rogers Place sporting the jersey, often customized with the numbers of popular Oilers players from that era. The possibility of a modern update to the McFarlane jersey has been a recurring topic of discussion, with some fans creating their own concepts that incorporate current team colors and design elements.
The Oilers recently unveiled a new alternate jersey for the 2025-26 season. This jersey features a vintage-inspired design with an off-white base and a wordmark logo. While some fans appreciate the retro look, others have expressed disappointment that the team did not bring back the McFarlane jersey. As the Oilers prepare to wear their new alternate jersey for select games this season, the debate surrounding the McFarlane jersey serves as a reminder of its enduring impact on the team's identity and the passions it continues to evoke within the fanbase.
