Ranking every alternate jersey the Rangers have ever worn
The New York Rangers are expected to debut a new jersey ahead of the 2026 Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park in Miami. They’ve worn a number of alternate sweaters over the years; a handful were hits, others were misses — and one or two never got the love they deserved.
With the Rangers entering their 100th season, don’t be surprised if the upcoming Winter Classic jersey leans into that milestone. Whether it’s a retro-inspired look or something built around the centennial logo, this is the perfect moment to do something meaningful to the franchise.
In all, the Rangers have rolled out eight different alternate jersey concepts, not counting slight tweaks. Some were one-offs for outdoor games, while others stuck around for years. With a new one on the way, let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit every alternate the Rangers have ever worn.
8. 2003-04 Vintage set
The Rangers wore these throwbacks as part of the NHL’s Vintage Jersey program during the 2003-04 season. They were based on the uniforms the Blueshirts wore from 1976-78, a (mercifully) short-lived model most of today’s fans don’t hold a personal connection to — and most of the ones who do couldn’t stand it. The Rangers wore the blue version three times and the white one twice. It’s supposed to be a tribute but feels more like a practice jersey.
7. Present third jerseys (Blueshirt Crest)
From the subway tile design stitched into the collar and the sleeve stripes inspired by the lights of Madison Square Garden, the Rangers’ current third jerseys are supposed to represent the city they call home. Like the previous jersey, this one also features the Rangers’ crest front and center — and that’s the issue.
There was so much potential here, but slapping the logo in the middle feels lazy. It gives off that modern, minimalist style we see more of these days, but it just feels awkward. The stripes are really the only thing that give this jersey any personality. Overall, it’s a swing and a miss.
6. 2014 Stadium Series
This jersey was made specifically for the Rangers’ games at Yankee Stadium during the 2014 Stadium Series. It features “NEW YORK” across the chest, outlined in silver, with stripes on the arms.
It’s not bad, just kind of boring. You’re playing at Yankee Stadium — why not lean into the setting with Pinstripes or something Yankees-related. Instead, they played a safe bet. The white looks nice, and it’s clean, but still feels like a missed opportunity.
5. 2010-11 to 2016-17 Alternate
This jersey holds a ton of nostalgia.
I grew up watching my favorite Rangers battle in it, so while it may not be the flashiest jersey, it’s definitely one of the most meaningful. The dark navy, bold stripes, and the diagonal “NEW YORK” across the chest adds that vintage feel. If I had one small critique, it’s that the letters could’ve been just a bit bigger. But honestly, it’s a timeless jersey that brings back a lot of great memories.
Related: Why former Rangers coach told Henrik Lundqvist ‘You’re not the f***ing King!’
4. 2018 Winter Classic
The Rangers wore this at Citi Field for the Winter Classic against the Buffalo Sabres, and it worked.
The letters are big and bold, the colors pop and the stripes give off the perfect vibe of outdoor game. The “NY” shield on the chest adds a beautiful touch without overdoing it. Overall, this is one of the cleaner alternates the Rangers have ever worn.
3. 2024 Stadium Series
These jerseys are just beautiful, plain and simple.
The large red “NYR” outlined in blue makes everything pop on the white jersey. The stripes, the colors, the overall layout — they all come together to create one of the best-looking alternates the Rangers have ever worn. Honestly, I wish they’d bring these jerseys back.
2. Lady Liberty
The Rangers have had four different versions of the Lady Liberty jersey. It started with the original navy version (1996-97 through 2006-07, with a brief pause), followed by a white version in 1998-99. Then it came back with the 2020-21 reverse Retro and again in 2022-23, this time in a brighter blue version.
It’s no surprise this jersey keeps coming back. Every time the Rangers have brought it out, the response has been overwhelmingly positive — it’s flat-out gorgeous. The Statue of Liberty crest captures the energy of New York in a way no other Rangers jersey ever has.
1. 2012 Winter Classic
This one is perfect from top to bottom. Worn for the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia against the Flyers, it’s everything a third jersey should be — vintage and original. The cream base sets it apart immediately, and the old-school shield on the chest ties everything together.
It’s got character, and more than anything, it just feels like the Winter Classic. This isn’t just the best alternate the Rangers have ever worn, it might be the best jersey in team history, period.
And let’s be real, anytime you see this jersey, your mind goes straight to Henrik Lundqvist’s penalty shot stop on Danny Briere with 20 seconds left in the game. Pure cinema.
