Reports are circulating that the Toronto Maple Leafs have committed to a major rebranding effort set to coincide with the club’s 2016 centennial celebrations. The news was first broken by Chris Creamer’s Sportslogos.net.
Breaking: SportsLogosNet confirms Toronto Maple #Leafs getting new logo & uniforms in 2016: https://t.co/8IAqiPQIY8 pic.twitter.com/r2fadPau9Z
— Chris Creamer (@sportslogosnet) December 13, 2015
Maple Leafs Set For New Logo, Uniforms in 2016-17
While the iconic Leafs logo has remained virtually unchanged for four decades, the forthcoming alterations are said to be significant. It is unknown at this time whether the alterations will be permanent or temporary, but both the Leaf logo and the uniform are expected to be re-conceptualized.
Not everybody is a fan of the idea, with some steadfastly defending the Maple Leaf logo, but the club reportedly is looking to make their 2016-17 centennial season one to remember, including multiple throwback jerseys in addition to the new look, similar to what the Montreal Canadiens did a few years ago. There is a perception that Toronto must tread carefully, as any change to an “Original Six” team’s look will be heavily scrutinized.
Interestingly enough, the only incarnation of the Leaf logo to not appear on a championship banner at the Air Canada Centre is the version the franchise has employed since the design introduced in 1970-71.
At this time, the Maple Leafs have not officially commented on the news regarding their forthcoming rebranding strategy.
The Leafs are also reportedly looking to host the Winter Classic next season, and will be hosting the World Cup of Hockey. The events are all centered around the team’s and the league’s centennial season.
Main Photo:
Main Photo Caption: Peter Holland #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrates his goal in the first period against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on November 10, 2015 in Dallas, Texas. (via Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport)
