As the first game between the Montreal Canadiens’ prospects and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospects is currently underway, here’s an intriguing answer.

Many of you have asked us why the Maple Leafs’ prospects are wearing practice jerseys today instead of regular game jerseys, live from the Bell Centre:

Well, we now have the answer to this question.

A Toronto journalist has just explained that it’s because these Leafs players must earn the right to wear the official uniform.

It’s simply an organizational decision.

For the time being, in the eyes of the management, these players haven’t earned the right to wear the regular jersey, so they must settle for the practice uniform.

Different mentalities for Montreal and Toronto

As for the Montreal Canadiens’ prospects, it’s easy to notice that they are indeed wearing the official uniform.

So, which mentality do you prefer?

1. Deny the prospects the official jersey until they’ve earned it, or 2) let them wear the official jersey (as the Habs do) to motivate them further and help them feel more included in the team.

Personally, I prefer the Montreal Canadiens’ method.

Clearly, the organization’s prospects must feel much more included in the team, and I believe it gives them great motivation.

Let’s remember that the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospects will face off again tomorrow. Hockey is truly in the air!