NHL Joins Taylor Swift’s New Era
Superstar Taylor Swift has announced her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl”, and the sports world, especially the NHL, has reacted creatively and enthusiastically.
The news came after Swift’s appearance on the “New Heights” podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce, the latter being the singer’s partner. The episode, which premiered on Wednesday, marked the first time Swift participated in the podcast.
NHL teams were quick to respond to the news of Swift’s album, with the league even posting a photo of Swift and Kelce on the ice.The pop star is no stranger to the hockey world. Swift and Kelce attended Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers.
Kelce is a well-known fan of the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Several NHL teams have acknowledged Swift’s announcement with witty posts.
NHL Team Reactions
Calgary FlamesHall of Fame winger Jarome Iginla wore number 12 for the Flames from 1996 to 2013. Since “The Life of a Showgirl” is Swift’s twelfth album, Calgary featured Iginla on a cover with orange glitter, a nod to Swift’s website which features a similar color.
Carolina HurricanesThe Hurricanes opted for two posts, but it was the most recent one that gained traction on social media. They published an email from “our vice president”, asking why they haven’t collaborated with Swift. Perhaps that’s their ultimate goal?
Columbus Blue Jackets
With the NHL season approaching, the Blue Jackets decided to usher in their own next era with an album cover. The color orange is a nod to the theme of Swift’s latest album.
Florida Panthers
Florida put on its detective hats by pointing out that Swift’s necklace in the “New Heights” trailer was a Cartier Panthère pendant. The Panthers also identified a “T.S.” in red on the back and included a photo of Swift and Kelce at a Stanley Cup Final game.
Minnesota WildThe Wild showcased their left winger number 12, Matt Boldy, who had a record season with 73 points last season.
Nashville PredatorsSwift’s history with the Nashville Predators dates back to the late 2000s, when she appeared in a commercial for the franchise. Nashville took advantage of that history by posting photos of Swift wearing a Predators jersey while performing.
New Jersey DevilsThe Devils referenced a previous Swift song to highlight their captain, Nico Hischier. They created their own album cover with the title: “The Life of a Captain”.
New York IslandersThe Islanders’ orange and blue color scheme fits the Swift theme, and they made sure to take advantage of it.
Ottawa Senators
Swift shared the news of her album at 12:12 a.m. ET on Tuesday morning, and Ottawa recognized its own number 12, center Shane Pinto.
Philadelphia FlyersThe Flyers used the bright orange color to edit a photo to make defenseman Travis Sanheim look similar. Their second image includes more of the color scheme with the Flyers logo and “See you in the next era…” written below.
Pittsburgh PenguinsThe Penguins also took advantage of the glitter theme, but in their black and yellow colors. The look is similar to the one that appears on Swift’s website as a placeholder for the album cover.
St. Louis BluesSt. Louis logos are displayed in full with blue glitter, another nod to Swift’s website.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Fans spotted Maple Leafs winger William Nylander at one of Swift’s concerts in November, so it’s logical that he’s highlighted before the album’s release.
Winnipeg JetsWinnipeg had its own number 12 in defenseman Dylan DeMelo, who wore the number during the 2019-2020 season after being traded to the franchise. DeMelo now wears number 2, but the Jets still recognize his former number.
