Blake Wheeler of the Jets tweets objection to NHL jersey ads

Ads on NHL uniforms inspired an objection from Blake Wheeler of the Winnipeg Jets.
Blake Wheeler of the Jets tweets objection to NHL jersey ads
Blake Wheeler of the Jets tweets objection to NHL jersey ads /

Many hockey fans have been dreading the introduction of advertising on jerseys since NHL chief operating officer John Collins said in an interview last November that jersey sponsorship is “coming and happening.”

Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler shares their concerns and took to Twitter on Tuesday night to express his objections.

Wheeler was reacting to a story first reported by TSN on Monday that the NHL had reached a lucrative new deal with Adidas to become the league’s official jersey manufacturer beginning with the 2016-17 season. The deal will reportedly net the NHL twice the $35 million it currently receives annually from Reebok, a brand owned by Adidas.

The report led to speculation that a major jersey re-design may be on the way—one that may include the introduction of corporate logos similar to what’s seen in European hockey leagues.

The NHL currently allows for sponsor logos to be patched onto practice jerseys, but the only logo allowed on game jerseys is that of the manufacturer.

Are you ready for ads on NHL jerseys? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

• A glimpse into the future?

Ads We'd Like to See on NHL Jerseys

Washington Capitals

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David E. Klutho for Sports Illustrated

Los Angeles Kings

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Andrew D. Bernstein/NHLI via Getty Images

Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus-Blue-Jackets-jersey-ads-Nick-Foligno.jpg
Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images

Florida Panthers

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Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images

Boston Bruins

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Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Detroit Red Wings

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Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images

Montreal Canadiens

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Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images

Dallas Stars

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Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

New York Rangers

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Jeff Gross for Sports Illustrated

New York Islanders

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Tim Clayton for Sports Illustrated

Toronto Maple Leafs

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Abelimages/Getty Images

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago-Blackhawks-jersey-ads-Jonathan-Toews.jpg
David E. Klutho for Sports Illustrated

Carolina Hurricanes

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Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images

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