NHL Fits of the Week
Presented by Genesis, Official Luxury Automotive Partner of the NHL®
With a new year comes a fresh sense of unpredictability, especially when it comes to emerging fashion trends. This past week, the NHL’s pregame tunnel entrances previewed this new chapter with a flurry of rare accessories including custom sneakers and coveted timepieces. With the iconic Winter Classic taking centre stage and fans eager for action following a brief holiday hiatus, the spotlight couldn’t have been much brighter for a showcase of new year attire. From NFL legend Marshawn Lynch leading the Seattle Kraken to the arena in denim-on-denim to all-business three-piece suits, this week’s pregame tunnel may very well be a preview of the menswear trends set to define the year ahead.
Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers
Historically, the New York Rangers’ pregame tunnel has been anchored by traditional menswear, especially compared to other big-market franchises like Las Vegas or Toronto. Last week, Canadian winger Alexis Lafreniere stayed true to form in this classic two-button suit with a cutaway collar on route to Madison Square Garden. A Windsor or cutaway collar such as Lafreniere’s does such a great job of differentiating an otherwise typical suit. It’s a subtle detail for a 22-year-old’s wardrobe and, hopefully, one we see more commonly throughout the league this year.
Rasmus Sandin #38 of the Washington Capitals
Last week, Washington’s Rasmus Sandin’s black double-breasted suit offered a masterclass in tailoring. Wide pinstripes are oftentimes a dangerous gamble for athletes. Despite popular belief, vertical lines can oftentimes create the inverse of the intended “slimming” effect, making an athlete appear uncomfortably bulky in a suit. But when done right — like in Sandin’s case — the result looks fantastic. Not so loose that he looks like a Prohibition-era mobster, not so tight that it looks uncomfortable, Sandin’s black suit paired with traditional black shoes and a matching tie is the perfect blueprint for pinstripes in 2024.
Joe Pavelski #16 of the Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars veteran Joe Pavelski showed no signs of holiday malaise last week as he entered the arena in a stunning all-black three-piece suit featuring a subtle floral pattern. I suppose a New Year’s Eve game warrants a more elevated look, but Pavelski surpassed all expectations. Complemented by a pair of all-black leather Oxfords and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph with a leather strap, Pavelski entered the new year as equipped for the pregame tunnel as he would be for a far more formal occasion.
Martin Necas #88 of the Carolina Hurricanes
Martin Necas once again made waves throughout the Hurricanes’ pregame tunnel to close out the year by pulling out yet another pair of grailed sneakers. Wearing Dior’s B33 Sneakers in navy blue featuring the brand’s Oblique jacquard with suede inserts, Necas’ luxury tennis shoes are everything we’d come to expect from the NHL’s leading sneakerhead. Strolling through the arena in a matching navy pinstripe suit and Givenchy beanie, the 24-year-old entered the new year as a trendsetter for menswear enthusiasts to keep an eye on in the months to come.
Marshawn Lynch
Before the Seattle Kraken made their Winter Classic debut to kick off the new year, not many outside the NHL’s diehard fans knew that former Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch was a part of the team’s ownership group. But Lynch made sure his commitment to the city wouldn’t go unnoticed in 2024, exiting the team bus alongside the Kraken roster wearing an all-denim outfit. Paired with a trio of diamond necklaces and custom Nike Air Force 1s, Lynch stole the show from the sidelines in a way that only he could.
Feature photo by Michael Mooney/NHLI via Getty Images.
