Zegras Becomes First Player in 13 Years to Get Penalized for Tucked Jersey
Trevor Zegras received a two-minute minor for improperly wearing his equipment after starting a shift with his jersey tucked into his pants during Thursday's preseason game against the Bruins. The call is the first of its kind in 13 years, though the rule has existed since 1964. Officials had warned Zegras earlier in the game, and the penalty did not result in a Boston power-play goal.
The penalty occurred at 9:51 of the second period, with Zegras sent off immediately. The rule dates to 1964, but a 2013 memo from the league signaled a crackdown, though enforcement faded after initial backlash. Kris King, NHL VP, noted the rule wasn't new, just unenforced.
According to Elliotte Friedman, officials are instructed to issue warnings for improperly worn neck guards, visors, or helmets during warmups, and jerseys must be untucked at shift start. A second violation in the same game escalates to a misconduct. Zegras had already received a warning earlier in the game, and the resulting power play was unsuccessful.
This enforcement could shift player routines and coaching strategies, as teams may now emphasize proper equipment checks before shifts. It may also fuel ongoing debates about officiating priorities, given that fans appear split on the rule's merit. While the immediate impact is limited to game flow and penalty minutes, it could set a precedent for stricter equipment enforcement across the league, potentially influencing youth hockey standards if adopted elsewhere. The long-term effect remains uncertain, but it may encourage players to adapt quickly to avoid unnecessary penalties.