Black Friday lights up as Blackhawks rock their return to black vs. Predators

The all-black alternate officially makes its comeback for the 2025-26 season, and the reaction across the NHL world has been nothing but fire.

The black uniform first debuted in 1996-97 and stuck around until 2008-09.

Now it returns as part of Chicago's Centennial celebration, a nod to the franchise's deep history while giving modern fans a fresh, bold look, but the price tag for their new jersey is quite hefty.

The team will wear the jersey seven times this season, starting with Nov. 28 at home and again on Nov. 30.

The return of this sweater taps into nostalgia while giving the Hawks a statement look for their next chapter.

The design itself stays true to the classic: the familiar Blackhawks crest sits bold against a black background, with the team's traditional red-and-white stripes around the waist and sleeves and crisp white numbers trimmed in red.

It's not just a throwback-the jersey feels like an upgrade.

For long-time Blackhawks fans, this feels like getting back a piece of identity.

For newer fans, it's a fresh start that bridges decades of history.

Either way, with the puck drop Friday against the Predators, Chicago will bring that legacy back on ice and turn the United Center into a sea of black.