OK....just got back from picking up a Leafs replica WC jersey. All in all it's a very nice jersey but purists should note there are some key differences between these and what I assume the authentics will be if you are ordering online as the pictures retailers are using to depict them are incorrect. The key difference is the lettering on the crest......the pics shown online depict individual felt letters that are sewn in place when the actual replicas use embroidered lettering.
Replica:
Authentic:
I spoke with the manager ay Real Sports and he has no idea if or when an Authentic version would be available.
Another important note in regards to the WC patch that goes on the right shoulder. There are two different sizes of the patch.....a large one and a small one. The large one that is currently the only one available does not fit the replica jersey as the stripe on the shoulder of the replica is narrower than the authentic. Pictured below is what it would look like thanks to this joker on eBay trying to sell a "rare" $139 replica for $280 that he affixed this wrong size patch to. The patch is supposed to be within the confines of the stripe and not overlapping onto the blue:
I asked the manager about buying the smaller version and again....he had no idea if and when it would be available but he said it does exist. They were also sold out of the large version.
Another thing to note....I would highly recommend buying one in person vs online as the quality of the felt of the crest varied quite a bit from the ones I saw......many of them had crease marks from improper folding of the jersey, bunched up areas between the lettering, etc. I looked through 16 jerseys in my size to get one I found acceptable so online buyers beware.
They had some replica Detroit WC jerseys as well and I'm happy to report for you folks that they are exactly as depicted below
BTW......customizing the Leafs version is going to difficult for many I presume. The number font is basically much like what the Leafs use currently except it has rounded corners (sorry for not snapping a pic) The numbers and letters are felt to match the crest but a key detail is the numbers are completely stitched with scroll work that would be extremely difficult to replicate without and embroidery machine. The numbers RS was using are all pre sewn with this pattern for the numbers on the back and sleeves. Not sure if the authentic jerseys will do this detail on the player names as well but RS was simply using the current font in felt on a twill nameplate with the "old school" number font on the crested versions they were selling. The scroll work looks like this: