NHL Mandates Neck Guards Following Tragic Incident
In a significant policy shift following the tragic death of player Adam Johnson, the NHL will require all players entering the league beginning in the 2026-27 season to wear cut-resistant neck guards. This decision comes as part of a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players’ Association, according to reports by Pierre LeBrun.
Grandfather Clause for Existing Players
For players already on the ice and having participated in at least one game prior to this season, there will be a grandfather clause that exempts them from this requirement. This move aligns the NHL with its developmental league, the AHL, which mandated neck guards for all players and officials since the preceding season.
International Response to Safety Concerns
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has also taken action, enforcing neck guards at all competitive levels in light of safety concerns raised after Johnson’s untimely passing in October 2023. Johnson, while playing for the Nottingham Panthers, sustained a fatal injury when an opponent’s skate blade cut his neck during a match.
Current Adoption Rates and Player Awareness
Despite the looming requirement, only a small fraction of NHL players have adopted neck guards thus far. At the NHL’s general manager meetings in September, it was noted that a mere 55 out of approximately 700 skaters, equating to about 7.7%, were utilizing the protective gear. Conversely, there has been a noticeable uptick in players opting for cut-resistant undergarments for their wrists and legs.
Players Leading the Charge
Players such as Anze Kopitar from the Los Angeles Kings and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins have already embraced wearing neck guards, showcasing an increased awareness of player safety. Also joining this initiative were Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin and Detroit’s Marco Kasper, with Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson adopting the gear late last season after teammate Brandon Saad, a veteran forward, made the switch.
A Step Towards Enhanced Player Protection
The league’s implementation of neck guards echoes the introduction of mandatory helmets back in 1979, which set a precedent for player safety. Only those making their NHL debut in 2026-27 will be obliged to comply with this new ruling, marking a progressive step toward enhancing player protection in the sport.
