Trevor Zegras became the subject of an NHL punishment not seen in 13 years during the Philadelphia Flyers’ preseason victory over the Boston Bruins.
Zegras received a two-minute minor for “improperly wearing equipment” at 9:51 of the second period Thursday after beginning his shift with his jersey tucked into his pants. According to Scouting The Refs, it was the first penalty of its kind the NHL has called in 13 years.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman explained that the league has increased its emphasis on players properly wearing equipment.
“First one I’ve seen this preseason, but league has indicated it will warn players if equipment — neck guards, visors, helmets (during warmup) — is not being properly worn,” Friedman wrote on X. “Jerseys are supposed to be untucked at the beginning of a player’s shift. (If it rides up during a shift, no issue.) Procedure is a warning, followed by a two-minute penalty. So, Zegras must have been warned earlier in the game. Next violation is supposed to be a misconduct.”
According to The Athletic, Zegras confirmed that officials had already warned him earlier in Thursday’s game.
“That’s usually how I play,” Zegras said. “(The jersey) must have just went back in on the bench, and when I came out, just forgot, and they called it.”
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The penalty did not hurt Philadelphia as Boston failed to convert on the ensuing power play.
Speaking after the game, Flyers coach Rick Tocchet acknowledged that the team had received advance notice of the enforcement change.
“They told us — in all fairness — two, three weeks ago,” Tocchet said. “I didn’t even think about it. Obviously, can’t do it anymore. Regular season starts, we can’t have a penalty like that. I actually had to put Matvei Michkov’s jersey down on the bench.”
Philadelphia ultimately defeated Boston 2-0 in its first preseason win. The Flyers will host the Washington Capitals on Saturday at 5 p.m. for their final preseason matchup.
