The Toronto Maple Leafs will have a new look for the 2016-17 season, in more ways than one.

When Auston Matthews, the franchise’s first No. 1 overall selection in an NHL Entry Draft in 31 years, took the stage at First Niagara Center in Buffalo on Friday night, he pulled on a team sweater no other Maple Leaf has ever worn.

In preparation for Toronto’s centennial anniversary this season, the team is rolling out its new logo (originally revealed in February) and sweater to commemorate the historic occasion. Given the club's rich history, some of the design elements — like the classic four bars on the sleeves — call attention to iconic pieces of past uniforms.

But with general manager Lou Lamoriello stating Thursday that no player would be the face of the Maple Leafs because “the logo will be the face of the franchise,” it’s not surprising the team went with a larger crest on this sweater than in the past. The words honour, pride and courage are stitched into each collar.

“Much like the new Toronto Maple Leaf logo that pays tribute to the club’s championship legacy but also represents the start of an exciting new chapter in team history, our new uniforms are meant to be classic and timeless,” said Brendan Shanahan, Toronto Maple Leafs president.

“There is a simplicity in the design so that the focus is always solely on the crest. Conn Smythe spoke of his team wearing the Maple Leaf badge with ‘honour, pride and courage’ and those words are now stitched into the collar of each sweater so that our players, and fans, are reminded of that every time they put it on.”

Smythe was principal owner of the Maple Leafs from 1927-1961.  He purchased the Toronto St. Pats in 1927, then changed the team name to the Maple Leafs and altered their sweaters colours to blue and white.

Toronto had planned for fans to be introduced to the new sweater by Matthews wearing it, but a strange glitch on their mobile app Thursday appeared to reveal the new design early. It will go on sale to the public September 1 at the team store, with an online pre-sale available starting August 1.