A report from Mayors Manor this week mentioned the likelihood that the Los Angeles Kings will pursue an alternate purple jersey for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
While the Kings are no strangers to creating special and alternate jerseys that involve purple primary colorways, some of the proposed designs feel like missed opportunities, given how much potential a purple alternate jersey has. Several of the concepts feel like combinations of previous Kings designs rather than fresh ideas that establish a new identity for the franchise.
Many of the concepts feel too focused on recreating previous Kings uniforms rather than creating something new. Simply changing an old black-and-silver design to purple or reusing elements from past eras may generate nostalgia, but it doesn't necessarily create a memorable alternate jersey. If the Kings are going to embrace purple again, the organization should use the opportunity to create a modern look that stands on its own rather than relying almost entirely on throwback aesthetics.
The Los Angeles Kings should bring back purple, but with a more modern approach
The return of purple sounds like a home run for the Kings. The problem is that some of the mockups being circulated feel more like recycled nostalgia than a jersey that represents the future of the franchise.
A successful purple alternate jersey does not need to completely abandon the franchise's history. The best approach would likely blend elements of the Kings' iconic purple era with a cleaner, more modern design language.
Rather than simply recreating a jersey from the Gretzky era or another throwback look, Los Angeles should aim for something that feels fresh enough to become part of the franchise's future identity.
If the organization is going to introduce a purple alternate jersey, it should reflect where the franchise is headed rather than simply celebrating where it has been.
Of the concepts presented, the 1980-inspired design comes closest to striking the balance between honoring the franchise's history and creating something that still feels relevant today.
A modern alternate jersey should not abandon classic colors or logos. It simply needs to feel distinct from previous uniforms. Cleaner striping, updated logo treatments, creative colorway usages, and a more contemporary approach to the purple-and-silver color scheme could help create a jersey that feels unique to this era of Kings hockey rather than a recreation of one that already existed.
The color itself isn't the issue. In fact, purple remains one of the most unique and recognizable parts of the Kings' history. The challenge is finding a design that feels modern while still respecting that history.
The possibility of the Kings revisiting the infamous "Burger King" alternate jersey would certainly generate attention and debate among fans. While the design has developed a cult following over the years, it represents another example of how nostalgia alone should not drive the organization's decision-making process when creating a new alternate uniform.
A purple alternate jersey would likely be welcomed by much of the fanbase. But if the Kings are going to bring back one of the franchise's most iconic colors, they should aim higher than simply recreating an older look with a few minor adjustments.
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