The annual tradition returns! As the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway, let's take our first look at what new sweaters could be coming to the NHL in 2018-19. It's JerseyWatch 2018!

I have to start by expressing some surprise at the lack of information leaking out of the NHL and its teams this year. Normally we have something solid to report by January or February. Here we are in April and there's still not much out there.

With that said, I'll admit that the majority of this first JerseyWatch of 2018 will be speculative. But it's not wild guessing so much as educated conjecture. So bear with me.

The Facts

Let's start with the facts. What we know for sure is that third jerseys will be making a return to the NHL in the 2018-19 season after a one-year sabbatical. Adidas took over jersey production from Reebok last year and the NHL lightened their load by going third-less for 2017-18.

We're reliving the events of a decade ago, really. The same thing happened when Reebok first took over in 2007-08. Third jerseys returned after a one-year break in 2008-09. So we do have a little precedent on which to base some of the speculation that follows.

Of course not every team will have a third jersey in 2018-19, though many will. The last time around, 18 of 30 teams added third jerseys. A few were throwbacks and a few were brand new designs. Five of them even went on to be full-time home jerseys in the years that followed.

I expect more of the same in 2018. It's probably a safe bet that 15 to 20 of the 31 teams will have thirds next year. Some will be throwbacks, some will be new. But don't expect any of the standard home or road jerseys to change since they were just launched this season.

As of yet, there's been very little official information about forthcoming third jerseys. (Hence the speculation.) But there's still plenty to talk about.