Each NHL game jersey today is made in a factory in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, near Montreal. Fanatics will continue to use the same factory, the same specs for players and even some of the same fabrics, at least at first. The company has assembled a team of people with decades of experience working on NHL on-ice and performance products.
"We're going to inject them into the equation so that we can bring Fanatics innovation with also the best of what's been done in the past, and that's why I think fans should be excited," Mack said. "There's a lot to like about what's been done historically, but each time we've done something new with the NHL, we've actually taken that and taken it to the next level."
What might the next level look like for official on-ice uniforms?
"I believe what you'll see over time is an evolution in the chassis of the jersey, an evolution in design elements, and that's going to be player-driven," Mack said. "As you see the exciting stars of the game, we're going to want to know what they feel will help them feel great about their performance. We'll translate that into the product, and then the fan will be getting something that's really player -- and equipment manager -- informed."
Jennings said Fanatics will keep the NHL on the cutting edge.
"The vision projecting out two or three years is to really start to look at what innovations we can make in the uniform business," Jennings said. "One of the things that we talk a lot about is making sure nobody leapfrogs us as far as having our sweater and our uniform being at the forefront of any of the leagues as far as world-class design and performance for the athlete.
"And then ultimately for a fan who wants an authentic jersey, they can get that, and Fanatics already makes a replica jersey that is certainly very fan friendly."
Fanatics will apply the innovative vertical commerce model it uses for other products to the authentic NHL jerseys, allowing fans to purchase them in real time when, for example, a team acquires a player.
"We think we'll be uniquely positioned to capitalize and grow the business," Jennings said.