NHL’s New Mandatory Neck Guard Policy
In a significant policy shift, the NHL has declared that neck guards will be compulsory for all players entering the league starting with the 2026-27 season. This decision emerges from ongoing discussions about player safety, fueled by tragic incidents like the untimely death of former NHL forward Adam Johnson, who lost his life in 2023 after sustaining a skate cut to the neck while playing in England.
Background and Implementation
Previously, neck guards had been optional in the NHL, despite being mandated in several other leagues, including the AHL and IIHF. The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association had faced pressure to adopt the measure, but it remained non-mandatory until an agreement was reached last Friday to extend the collective bargaining agreement for another four years.
Under the new regulations, only players who join the NHL post-2026-27 are obligated to wear neck guards; those who have already participated in games prior to this date will not be affected.
Advocacy for Player Safety
Among the key advocates for mandatory neck protection is Tom Fitzgerald, the general manager of the New Jersey Devils. His passionate campaign for the safety measure intensified after a frightening occurrence involving his son, Casey Fitzgerald, during a game against the Providence Bruins in December 2023. Casey’s neck was grazed by an opponent’s skate, leading to a serious injury that required 25 stitches. Although he was wearing a cut-resistant guard, the blade still managed to breach the protected area, terrifying his father and prompting Tom to push for greater player protection.
In speaking with The Athletic, Fitzgerald emphasized the emotional toll such incidents take on families, urging young players to prioritize safety so their parents do not face such harrowing experiences.
Following this incident, he actively lobbied for a league-wide policy, even taking his case directly to all 32 NHL general managers in March 2025, advocating for a mandatory neck guard rule.
Impact and Future Outlook
The momentum from Fitzgerald’s efforts culminated in the NHL’s announcement of the new safety regulation, which he praised as a vital step akin to the introduction of helmets and protective face shields in the sport. Fitzgerald believes that young players will adapt to the new gear just as they have with previous safety equipment.
Currently, neck guard usage among NHL players is alarmingly low, with only about 7.7%—approximately 55 of 700 players—utilizing such protective equipment. Notably, T.J. Oshie of the Washington Capitals promotes neck guards not only by wearing them himself but also by manufacturing them through his company, Warroad, which specializes in advanced protective gear.
Despite some players citing discomfort and the potential for overheating as reasons to avoid neck guards, Fitzgerald insists that a mandatory policy is essential. He foresees that without such requirements, players may choose not to wear protective equipment simply due to habit.
This new regulation represents a deeply personal milestone for Fitzgerald, as both a parent and a general manager, emphasizing the significance of player safety in the evolving landscape of professional ice hockey, especially for newcomers to the league. He believes it is crucial to protect young players as they develop their careers while also raising awareness about available safety options.
