NHL centre-ice logos: Sportsnet spotlights most creative 2026-27 designs

Sportsnet has taken a league-wide look at one of the first visuals fans see when they walk into an NHL rink: the centre-ice logo. In a new feature, writer David Morassutti ranks all 32 designs for the 2026-27 season, judging each club’s centre-ice look on visual impact, creativity and how clearly it showcases team identity.

Golden Knights, Hurricanes and Maple Leafs lean into milestones

Marking their 10th season in the NHL, the Vegas Golden Knights have unveiled a centre-ice design that leans fully into the city’s casino imagery. Instead of the usual shield alone, the logo incorporates a roulette wheel, the Golden Knights helmet, a sword and a prominent Roman numeral “X” to mark a decade since the club’s debut, aiming for an unmistakably Vegas presentation.

The Carolina Hurricanes, fresh off their latest Stanley Cup win, are using centre ice to extend the celebration. Their logo is set inside a coloured, overhead view of the Stanley Cup bowl, turning every opening faceoff into a reminder of last spring’s triumph. Hurricane-warning flags are worked into the red line, adding a local-weather twist to the championship motif.

In Toronto, the Maple Leafs are tying their centre-ice look to a major franchise anniversary. The club has brought back a vintage Maple Leafs mark to recognize 100 years since adopting the Maple Leafs name and moving on from the St. Patricks identity. The throwback crest, introduced as the organization enters a new chapter under figures such as Mats Sundin and John Chayka, gives Scotiabank Arena a markedly different feel at centre ice.

Canadiens, Sharks and Flames refresh their centre-ice identity

The Montreal Canadiens have tweaked their centre-ice presentation again after last season’s bold, full-red circle. This time, the team has gone back to a white background while keeping a three-dimensional effect that makes the “CH” crest appear to rise off the surface. The bright red logo stands out sharply, and blue outlining around the lettering tightens the look while maintaining a familiar identity.

The San Jose Sharks continue to push their teal-focused rebrand that was highlighted during their 35th anniversary. The classic shark-biting-stick crest remains at centre, but more intricate elements run along the red line, including alternating red-and-white “SJ” shark motifs. A fade in the teal paint softens the colour’s intensity, while white accents on the shark help the logo pop against the ice.

In Calgary, the Flames are using their final season at the Saddledome to pay tribute to the building itself. The upper edge of the centre-ice logo mirrors the arena’s distinctive saddle-shaped roofline, and the years the team has called the building home are built into the design. The concept makes the venue part of the logo for a farewell campaign that opens at home against the Seattle Kraken and closes on April 10 versus the Vancouver Canucks.

Distinct touches across the rest of the league

Elsewhere, the Seattle Kraken are sticking with the darker centre-ice crest introduced last season, a deep blue-and-red scheme that stands apart from more traditional looks. The Los Angeles Kings are marking their 60th season with a black “60” at centre, “Los Angeles” above, “Est. 1967” below and the franchise’s original crown logo built into the numbers, underscoring how the crown has evolved while remaining central to the team’s brand.

The Nashville Predators make full use of their bold yellow-and-navy palette and retain the “Smashville” wordmark under the logo, now presented without the cut-out “H” used previously. The Florida Panthers have moved on from a Cup-themed centre-ice design after missing the playoffs, opting instead for a more colourful layout that gives the panther head greater prominence. Sportsnet also notes that some classics still work without heavy tweaks, including the Boston Bruins’ black-and-gold spoked “B,” which remains one of the league’s most instantly recognizable centre-ice symbols.