The Toronto Maple Leafs are not short on exciting events this season. In their centennial season, the Buds overhauled their logo and jersey to pay homage to their storied history, retired 17 jersey numbers, and announced they would be wearing their green St. Pats jerseys in March against Chicago. Additionally, they will host the 2016 Centennial classic.
But one of the questions hanging over the team was what jersey they would be sporting on the New Years Day in the Classic against the Detroit Red Wings.
In mid-October, it looked as though fans had gotten their answer. A video interview with forward Matt Martin showed a hallway in the Leafs dressing room with classic jerseys on the wall. One of them was a Toronto Arenas uniform.
The Arenas jersey was not announced as one the team would be wearing this season.
Could this jersey on left be the one #Leafs wear for Centennial Classic? #50in2017 pic.twitter.com/Rgq9HVPYi6
— john huckle (@johndhuckle) October 26, 2016
The jersey was well received by Leafs faithful. Unfortunately, a fan got a glimpse at a different jersey that the Leafs will reportedly be wearing in the classic a few days later.
@sportslogosnet I was at a memorabilia store the other day and they showed me the Centennial Classic jersey and I didn’t believe them! pic.twitter.com/St2vbLvipF
— dan (@notdandaniels) November 9, 2016
After the jersey leak, fans and analysts took to social media to show their displeasure in the choice.
This rumoured Leafs Centennial Classic jersey leak (via @sportslogosnet) is an abomination. pic.twitter.com/VBMHDs8osG
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) November 9, 2016
How it’s anything other than an homage to the sweaters worn by the 1917-18 Toronto club is beyond me @scottcwheeler @sportslogosnet pic.twitter.com/UXmwkrEQFy
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) November 9, 2016
You *could* say the #Leafs Centennial Classic jersey rips off the Habs, more likely it’s the 1920s Toronto St Pats https://t.co/hElczEkEGZ pic.twitter.com/GPE8cnoKTE
— Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) November 9, 2016
Although the jerseys for both the Leafs and Red Wings remained unannounced, it appears as though they will be taking a modern approach to an event that is known for throwback uniforms and nods to the past.
The Atlantic division rivals previously faced off in the Winter Classic in 2014 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbour. Their rematch will take place at BMO Field.