Tuck It In, Sit It Out: Zegras Takes the NHL's First Jersey Penalty Since 2013

Trevor Zegras has worn his jersey tucked into his pants for years. On Thursday night it cost him two minutes.

Officials warned the Philadelphia forward during a preseason game against Boston, and when the jersey was still tucked in the second period, they called a minor for improperly wearing equipment. Nobody had been penalized for that in the NHL since 2013, according to the officiating site Scouting The Refs. The Flyers won 2-0, which made it easier to laugh about.

Zegras didn't pretend to be surprised about the habit itself. He said he started the night tucked in, which is how he usually plays.

The rule behind it

Rule 9.5 says protective gear has to be worn under the uniform, with a few exceptions like gloves, helmets and goalie pads. A tucked jersey leaves the pants and pads showing, so it counts. Rule 12.1 sets the process: first a warning, then a minor penalty if the player doesn't fix it. Zegras got both, in order.

Coach Rick Tocchet said teams were told a few weeks ago that equipment would be a point of emphasis this year. His solution is a small piece of fabric: the tie that fastens the jersey to the pants. He was clear that a penalty like that can't happen once the games count.

The league tried this once before, in 2013-14, and some stars pushed back. Alex Ovechkin said the rule took away a bit of players' personality. This time the enforcement started before the season, so anyone who likes the tucked look has until opening night to adjust.