The Avalanche’s Zakhar Bardakov and the Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin are in Nordiques and Whalers throwback jerseys on Thursday. Michael Martin / NHLI via Getty Images
The Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes turned back the clock on Thursday night, wearing retro jerseys of their former franchises in a game in Denver.
The Avalanche wore their new alternate Quebec Nordiques jerseys, commemorating the 30th anniversary of their existence. The Avalanche’s first season was in 1995-96 after obtaining the Nordiques franchise from Quebec City. The Hurricanes wore their old-school Hartford Whalers jerseys in response. The Whalers became the Hurricanes after moving from Hartford, Conn., in 1997.
Whalers vs Nordiques.
Wait a minute, what year is it? 👀 pic.twitter.com/xtdc2Cqnrk
— NHL (@NHL) October 24, 2025
The Nordiques and Whalers were members of the Adams Division between 1981 and 1995. They met each other twice in the postseason in consecutive seasons. The Whalers swept the Nordiques in their 1986 Division Semi-Final series before the Nordiques exacted revenge in a 4-2 series win the following year, also in the Division Semi-Final.
The Hurricanes plan on donning their Hartford throwbacks two more times this season, including on Jan. 3, when the Avalanche will visit and also wear their Nordiques jerseys. The Canes will also wear them against the Utah Mammoth on Jan. 29 as part of their “Whalers Night.” Colorado will wear their Nordiques throwbacks in six more games later this year.
Oct 24, 2025
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