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Now that Seattle has been awarded an NHL team to start play in 2021-22, the guessing game about its identity begins.
While a few small details and possibilities are known, it’s really anyone’s guess as to what the team will look like when it hits the ice in October 2021.
Grew up watching the Seattle Totems and Vancouver Canucks in the old WHL before the NHL arrived in Vancouver. Would be thrilled if the new Seattle franchise retained the Totems name and uniforms, or some version of them. pic.twitter.com/o89F5rTFWF
— Robin Brownlee (@Robin_Brownlee) December 4, 2018
Back in January, internet sleuths uncovered 13 potential names for the franchise based on what domain names were registered by Seattle’s ownership group.
Not included in those names is Metropolitans, which is the name of Seattle’s professional team that won a Stanley Cup 101 years ago.
The list does include Totems, Emeralds, Rainiers, Sockeyes, Kraken, Renegades, Sea Lions, Seals, Cougars, Whales, Eagles, Firebirds and Evergreens.
The betting favourite through online gambling site Bovada is Totems (-105), followed by Emeralds (+400), Rainiers (+700), Sockeyes (+700) and Kraken (+700).
Odds for what the name of the Seattle NHL franchise will be (@BovadaOfficial):
— OddsShark (@OddsShark) December 4, 2018
Totems -105
Emeralds +400
Rainiers/Sockeyes/Kraken +700
Renegades +1600
Sea Lions/Seals +2200
Cougars/Whales/Eagles/Firebirds/Evergreens +2800
Many agree with those odds, saying Totems is the hands down favourite and the team will take on a look similar to the WHL’s Seattle Totems that played in the 1960s and 70s.
However, it doesn’t look like the team will go with the expected green and blue colour scheme.
For one, their closest rivals, the Vancouver Canucks, already use those colours.
Another hint is that all of NHL Seattle’s marketing on Tuesday was red and black, a colour scheme that The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta believes the franchise will go with.
Pay close attention to this jersey’s colour scheme. Told this will be extremely similar to what Seattle’s home jersey will look like and team colours will be. pic.twitter.com/WnjvwSE31a
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 4, 2018
NHL Seattle is handing out swag at UW. Red and black beanies...should we read into the color scheme?!! #komonews 🔴⚫️🔴⚫️🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Ev7ZypEGOr
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) December 4, 2018
HISTORY: Seattle is awarded the NHL’s 32nd franchise. #ReturnToHockey #NHLSeattle
— NHL Seattle (@NHLSeattle_) December 4, 2018
Full Story | https://t.co/9Zvs0kAF2R pic.twitter.com/jj9Hpse8xr
With that being said, Sockeyes could be what the team is leaning towards for a couple of reasons.
First, the sockeye salmon is red in colour and commonly referred to as the red salmon.
Second, Sockeyes won a four-round Seattle Times poll regarding a name for the team that attracted nearly 150,000 voters.
You voted for Sockeyes.
— Seattle Times Sports (@SeaTimesSports) December 4, 2018
Mayor Durkan likes the Kraken.
History beckons for Metropolitans.
What should #NHLSeattle be named? https://t.co/GvUu20Y8k8 pic.twitter.com/whzIOdRUA9
It defeated Totems in the final round, with Metropolitans finishing third, although it still doesn’t look like Metropolitans is even in the consideration for the franchise at this point.
Metropolitans was even downplayed by Gary Bettman on Tuesday, as the commissioner pointed out the NHL already has a division by that name.
What do you think the name and colour scheme of the team will be? Let us know in the comments below!
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