As the NHL continues to grow and revenue streams continue to open, it seemed to be a natural progression that jersey advertisements -- which are so popular among European leagues -- would start appearing on NHL sweaters. That change will reportedly start next season and the Red Wings are one of the first teams that will help phase in the NHL's newest advertising model.

The NHL has opted to phase in the program over the next two to three seasons depending on feedback from fans. The debate about whether to go ahead with the advertisements wasn't just limited to the fans, however.

"We felt that we still ultimately answer to the will of the fans," said NHL Director of New Marketing James Moncton. "The European leagues adopted it and fans have grown used to it to the point to where it's not an issue. It's a great revenue stream for those teams and we think that it could help expand the product here and bolster the financial support for some of the league's small market teams."

Moncton said he fully expects some backlash from some of the NHL's traditional fans, which is why the league is moving toward phasing in the advertisments rather than making a complete change overnight.

"We know fans have a deep-seeded sense of tradition with a lot of their teams, especially the 'Original Six' franchises that have seen little to no radical changes in their uniforms for generations," said Moncton. "That's why we're starting small and we're 'testing the waters', so to speak, with one of the older franchises."

Starting next season, the Red Wings will have advertisement space available on the on the left shoulder with a larger space available under the franchise's famed winged wheel logo, with the option of the bottom advertisment being placed below the individual player numbers on the back as well.

If the program is successful the NHL plans to expand the availability of advertising space on its jerseys to the sleeves, pants, socks, and helmets.

"If everything goes as we project we think this approach will definitely benefit all of the clubs and the fans," Moncton continued. "We've taken note of the success of NASCAR with it and how some sponsors are so closely affiliated with their driving teams.

"We see that same kind of affiliation down the road, too."