Connor McDavid finds a way to cheat new controversial NHL rule

The NHL's new equipment enforcement guidelines already produced their first penalty when, earlier this month, Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras became the first player penalized under the league's stricter uniform standards, picking up a two-minute minor for improperly wearing his jersey during a preseason game against the Boston Bruins. While he got caught, another star reportedly found a way to sidestep the rule entirely.

Under the new enforcement guidelines, players must begin each shift with their jersey untucked. If the jersey rides up during play, no penalty is called, but it must be untucked again before the player's next shift. One warning is given before a two-minute penalty, and according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, any further infraction after that results in a misconduct.

However, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid might have found a way around the rule. Friedman and panel buddy Kevin Bieksa explained during Tuesday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks how, instead of simply tucking the jersey into the pants, McDavid and several of his teammates appear to be using the fight strap to change how the jersey sits — potentially allowing the Oilers’ captain to keep his preference familiar look without technically starting his shift with the jersey tucked and getting penalized for it.

The rule is part of a broader crackdown that also covers neckguards, visors, and helmets. The league clearly wants consistency in how players present themselves on the ice, and it is willing to hand out real penalties to enforce it.

While Zegras took the hit for being the first offender, the new guidelines seem to have prompted other players across the league to adjust how they wear their gear before the regular season begins. The enforcement is expected to be tight in the early weeks as players adapt to standards that were previously treated as suggestions rather than rules.

For now, Zegras got caught and McDavid has gotten away with it. Whether the rule continues to generate controversy as the regular season unfolds remains to be seen.