Avalanche exec: Next season presents 'opportunity' to wear Nordiques jerseys

The Colorado Avalanche may consider reviving one of the most iconic uniforms in sports history to celebrate their 25th season in Denver in 2020-21.

The Quebec Nordiques moved to Colorado prior to the 1995-96 campaign, but their famous blue uniforms featuring a fleurs-de-lis design and red igloo logo might be making a comeback in the near future.

"Next year is the team's 25th anniversary season. I think there is an opportunity," Declan Bolger, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, told The Athletic's Ryan S. Clark. "We've talked about it, but the opportunity has not (arisen) up to now. It's not the only thing we've talked about. We have talked about a lot of things."

The Avalanche organization is still littered with important figures from the team's tenure in Quebec. Jean Martineau, currently the senior vice president of communications, has been with the franchise since 1986. Pierre Lacroix, who became the Nordiques' general manager shortly before their relocation and oversaw two Stanley Cup wins in Colorado, is still on board as a senior advisor. Joe Sakic, a draft pick of the Nordiques in 1987 and the franchise's all-time points leader, is now Colorado's GM.

But despite those ties and the fact the club still sells Nordiques merchandise, the Avalanche have never worn Quebec throwbacks.

"Up to now, we have not had a uniform that has incorporated the Nordiques, but it is clear other clubs like Carolina (formerly the Hartford Whalers) have recently leaned into their past," Bolger said. "With Pierre, Joe, and Jean being with the team, you look in the media guide and how the Nordiques' records are included with the Avalanche's records, we certainly do acknowledge the Nordiques.

"We have been back there twice for exhibition games. It's something we have leaned into instead of away from."

The Hurricanes have embraced their Hartford roots since Tom Dundon took over as majority owner in 2018, with players wearing throwback green uniforms during a handful of games.

As for the Avalanche, count Nazem Kadri among the players who would be fired up for a throwback night in Denver.