Following the tragic loss of former NHLer Adam Johnson over the weekend, there has been a discussion among hockey circles about whether leagues should require players to wear neck guards and other equipment that would protect from skate cuts.
On Wednesday, Vladislav Namestnikov, Rasmus Kupari, Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers were all spotted wearing neck guards during Winnipeg Jets practice.
The four are the first NHLers to be seen with neck guards added to their gear.
Carolina Hurricanes players reportedly tried out cut-resistant wrist sleeves at practice on Wednesday, but have not discussed neck guards yet.
The NHL has reached out to the NHLPA to discuss ways to increase neck protection after Johnson died after his neck was accidentally cut by a skate during a game in England
"The commissioner as recently as over the weekend was in touch with (NHLPA director) Marty Walsh to kind of put this squarely on the radar screen," deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an interview on NHL Network Radio Tuesday.
Neck guards are mandatory in the OHL and QMJHL. Hockey Canada also requires neck guards for all players registered in minor or women's hockey.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, Johnson's former team, have mandated that minor league players in their organization wear neck and wrist guards.
The NHL cannot make rule changes related to protective equipment without the approval of the NHLPA, but Daly said the league is encouraging its players to think about making the switch.
"I will say, particularly through the work of Rod Pasma and our hockey operations department, we have been pushing, really pushing hard, cut-resistant materials and guards for use by our players," Daly said. "It is an adjustment for them (but) we are strongly recommending cut-resistant materials for use currently by our players."
Daly was also asked if the league would consider grandfathering in neck guard rules, the same way it did for helmets and visors in the past.
"I think it might be premature to say that's gonna happen but certainly it's something we're going to discuss, for sure," he responded.
A number of players said Monday they would listen to conversations about changes to the equipment, including Maple Leafs captain John Tavares. Any changes to equipment rules would require an agreement between the league and the union.
"At one point, goalies weren't wearing helmets, and the game has evolved and continues to get safer and safer,” Tavares said. “That’s certainly probably an aspect that needs to continue to be looked at further, as one incident like that is too many."
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