The NHL ignited the jersey design world when it launched a third jersey program for the 1995-96 season. Advances in apparel manufacturing and technology allowed the league to create jerseys with unique shapes and patterns through sublimation. These updates led to the introduction of "ice breaking" jerseys for five teams: Kings, Ducks, Bruins, Penguins and Canucks.

 The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim became the first team to feature a mascot on their jersey when they added Wild Wing to their 1995–96 third jersey. Although the jersey received mixed reviews, it was only worn once. Midway through the 1995–96 season, Teemu Selänne joined the Mighty Ducks after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets, making an immediate impact. Though he played just 28 games that year, Selänne scored 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points, maintaining an impressive scoring rate of 1.29 points per game. This trade laid the groundwork for Selänne's future success with the Ducks, where he later became the franchise's all-time leading scorer and earned the nickname "The Finnish Flash" for his speed and offensive skill.