Tuesday: Free Agent Frenzy and Merry Canada Day

What's goin' on?! How's everyone holding up? It's been a pretty eventful day. I've been watching the coverage on NHL Network and constantly checking Twitter. The Central Division is starting to look super dangerous with Minnesota, Colorado, Dallas, and St. Louis making some moves to bring in some highly talented players. But most importantly to me, Ryan Miller, my favorite goalie, has signed with the Vancouver Canucks, one of my least favorite teams....

I have decided that never again will my favorite goalie be a Buffalo Sabre. I actually like the Sabres... Growing up, Dominik Hasek was my favorite goalie so the Sabres have always had a spot in my heart, but when he left Ryan Miller stepped in. Hasek ended up a Red Wing..... grrr.... and then when he retired Miller became one of my favorites... so he leaves to St. Louis....grrr... and now Vancouver.... grrr.... Those Buffalo goalies have a way of breaking my heart..... Oh well, I'll probably get over it...

Anyway, no contest this week, but you better start getting prepared for the HJC Open.

COTW June 23-29 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

The Simpsons Flying Hellfish Concept - Christian L.

The Simpsons is my favorite TV show so it's great to see them featured on HJC. I'm familiar with the episode this is from and it's a shame to see there's not much to do with the military background but the color scheme is nice. I really like how the hem stripes, arm stripes, and yoke stripes are all consistent with each other. The only thing I'd want changed is the hem striping getting moved up so the blue and yellow in the hem striping didn't get cut off. Some sort of shoulder logo would be nice too.

Rating: 8/10

Montreal Wanderers (NHA) Concept - Christian L.

Christian redesigns the Wanderers with a set of jerseys that looks classic and simple from further away. But the sublimated W on the jersey is what makes it for me. But I'm not a fan of the fleur de lis logo. I think that belongs on the shoulders and the W shield should be on the torso. 

Rating: 7/10

Colorado Avalanche Alternate Jersey Concept - Coby S.

I love the Avs in a blue jersey, and I've always been curious to see the foot logo on the front of a jersey. I'm not 100% sure the foot logo works as a primary but I think it looks good for whatever reason. The striping pattern looks too close to the Jets' jerseys, especially with this color scheme. I think the stripes aren't thick enough as well, the jersey as a whole seems too blue. I'd also like to see the equipment that goes with this jersey. There's no black on the jersey outside of the shoulder patch, does the normal black equipment get used for this jersey or does it have its own? Also, the number on the back seems too small.

Rating: 6/10

Boston Bruins Alternate Jersey Concept - Jamie R.

Right off the bat, I like that the socks match the jersey. This jersey takes some elements from B's jerseys of the past. I like the hem but I don't like how all the striping is inconsistent. Thin arm stripes with bold sock and hem stripes. I'd find a happy medium. Thin out the hem and socks and thicken the arm striping. Chara is misspelled and there's no TV numbers on the back of the jersey. 

Rating: 5/10

New York Americans Concept - Mike S.

If I'm Ryan I would have scheduled this concept for Friday! This jersey screams America. It looks like a one off jersey that a minor league team would wear for some patriotic event. I actually love it and want one now. The only thing I'd change is make the socks match the sleeves exactly, but that's just because I'm borderline OCD about it. 

Rating: 9/10 and a COTW NOM!

Washington Capitals Alternate Jersey Concept - Scott B.

The Capitals in a blue jersey is something I feel like we all want to see. I don't care for the mixture of eras between the logos. I like seeing the old logo recolored but not paired with the weagle. The shoulder logos also look a bit small, those should be bigger. I'd like to see the equipment that goes with this jersey as well.

Rating: 6/10

Team USA Concept - Stephen T.

The logo is really, really nice. I think the eagle wings and head need to be sourced, but this is probably the way Nike should have went. I love the shield but it looks great this way. I don't think the sublimated hem is necessary. The striping is nice too, and looks good with gold trim. The pants would look better with its striping matching that on the blue jersey. I don't care for the gold piping on the blue jersey, white might look better. Either way, still a solid set.

Rating: 7.5/10

Hamilton Tigers Concept - Steven G.

I really like yellow jerseys and most Hamilton concepts look great when properly utilizing a yellow jersey. This one is no exception. This striping has a classic old time hockey feel to them which is perfect for a team out of Hamilton resurrecting the Tigers moniker. The hem stripes and sock stripes pull the whole look together.

Rating: 9/10

Well there you have it folks... Here's to another great day of concepts, the beginning of free agent season, and to hoping you all have a Merry Canada Day!