John Carlson says Capitals will be ‘somewhat uniform’ in what they wear despite NHL not mandating a dress code

July 22, 2020 7:41 pm

The Washington Capitals are the latest team to state publicly that they will have a dress code despite the NHL not requiring one for the 2020 postseason.

John Carlson, while speaking to 106.7 The Fan on Wednesday, said that he believes the Capitals will “do something as a team.”

“I know we don’t have to,” Carlson said. “I think we’re going to try and stay somewhat presentable. I think that will be determined by if and when and where the cameras lie. As a team, we’ll be somewhat uniform, but certainly not wearing suits in the summertime. That’s not a good look or feel for anyone.”

Here is a photo of Jakub Vrana, Lars Eller, and Tyler Lewington all wearing white shirts. (Photo: Cara Bahniuk/RMNB)

Todd Reirden echoed Carlson’s thoughts after Wednesday’s Phase 3 Training Camp practice.

“I think that [the no dress code is something] the players agreed up between the NHL and the NHLPA,” Reirden said. “I think it’s a decision that’s made within your team representing yourself and your team and how you want to do it. That’s something that’s been discussed and it’ll be finalized here before we leave for the trip.”

Eliminating the dress code was supposed to allow players to show more individuality and personality, which could grow the sport. Instead, that new freedom has been met with fear and rigidity from some teams.

#mnwild has come up with a team dress code for games since teams don't have to wear suits.

3 different team-issued, Wild logoed collared shirts that are white and gray, green and black with pants, Parise says.

This way they look presentable and like a team on the way to games

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 21, 2020

i checked. the veteran players' idea

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 21, 2020

Elias Pettersson says he would like to be able to show his personality and sense of fashion with the lack of a dress code in the playoffs, but he says he thinks the #Canucks will be wearing team tracksuits.

— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) July 21, 2020

Though there are other franchises that may be more progressive.

“I love the idea,” Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri said of the relaxed dress code to Mile High Sports’ Aarif Deen. “I love it. The game has got to evolve with its players and this is a great way for players to show their personalities.”

“I’m really looking forward to it, honestly,” added Leafs’ star Auston Matthews said to TSN’s Kristen Shilton. “It’ll be a pretty cool opportunity for guys to express themselves like other leagues are able to. At times, hockey can kind of fall behind as far as that stuff kind of goes.”

The 2020 playoffs will allow players to reset and have an unprecedented amount of self-expression after decades of uniformity. Will they make the most of the opportunity? The early returns are not optimistic.

Now here are some awesome photos of Alex Ovechkin as a younger player.