Devils’ Siegenthaler Ejected for Rare Jersey Violation in Heated Tilt with Blue Jackets
Monday night in New Jersey brought more than just goals and saves-it brought a throwback brand of chaos on the ice. The kind of second period that felt like it was ripped straight out of the ‘90s, complete with four separate fights, a goalie slash, and a rare ejection that had fans and players alike doing a double take.
At the center of the storm? Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, who found himself tossed from the game not for the punches he threw, but for the jersey he wore-or more specifically, how he wore it.
Let’s break it down.
A Donnybrook in the Garden State
Early in the second period, tempers boiled over between Devils forward Connor Brown and Columbus rookie Adam Fantilli. What started with a couple of slashes escalated quickly, and before long, Siegenthaler stepped in and squared off with Fantilli in a spirited scrap.
The two exchanged shots, but the turning point came when Fantilli grabbed hold of Siegenthaler’s jersey and yanked it over his head. That’s when officials noticed a key detail: Siegenthaler’s fight strap-the piece of equipment meant to keep a player’s jersey securely fastened during altercations-wasn’t properly secured. Under NHL rules, that’s an automatic game misconduct.
And just like that, Siegenthaler’s night was over.
It was an unusual way to exit, but the rule is clear. Introduced in the mid-90s, the "Rob Ray Rule" was designed to prevent players from shedding their jerseys during fights to gain an advantage.
Named after longtime Sabres enforcer Rob Ray, who was notorious for slipping out of his sweater mid-brawl, the rule evolved in 1997-98 to require all players to wear fight straps. If the jersey comes off-or is pulled off-and the strap isn’t fastened, it’s a one-way ticket to the locker room.
For Siegenthaler, it was his first fight of the season and just the fifth of his NHL career. The last time he dropped the gloves was back in 2021-22. Fantilli, on the other hand, was making his NHL fighting debut, though he did throw down once during his junior days with the USHL’s Chicago Steel in 2022.
Fantilli Makes His Presence Felt
Fantilli didn’t just make headlines for his scrap with Siegenthaler. He was involved in the game’s opening fireworks too. Just seconds into the second period, the 2023 top draft pick slashed Devils netminder Jake Allen-a move that immediately drew the ire of New Jersey’s Brenden Dillon.
Dillon went after Columbus forward Dmitri Voronkov, who ended up being involved in two separate fights during the game. It was clear from the start of the period that both teams were ready to settle scores the old-fashioned way.
By the time the dust settled, the Blue Jackets had not only won the physical battle but also the game itself, skating away with a 5-3 victory.
A Night to Remember (or Forget)
For the Devils, the loss stings, but Siegenthaler’s ejection adds another layer of frustration. It’s not every day you see a player tossed for a fight strap violation-it’s one of those rare infractions that pops up maybe once or twice a season, if that. But the rule exists for a reason, and Monday night served as a reminder that even the smallest equipment detail can have big consequences.
As for the Blue Jackets, they’ll take the win, the statement, and the edge in what’s shaping up to be a heated Metropolitan Division rivalry. And for Fantilli, it was a coming-of-age moment-his first NHL fight, a multi-penalty night, and a win on the road. Not a bad way to leave your mark.
One thing’s for sure: if these two teams meet again soon, you might want to keep your gloves-and your fight straps-secure.