Neck guards to be mandated for new players starting in 2026-2027 under new CBA
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Daily Faceoff
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The NHL has announced significant changes to its regulations, mandating neck guards for all players starting in the 2026-2027 season. This decision comes in response to an increasing emphasis on player safety, particularly following incidents where players sustained neck injuries. Notably, the league will require these protective devices for everyone on the ice, from stars like Auston Matthews to rookies making their debuts.
The implementation of neck guards has sparked varied reactions across the league. Veteran players, such as Sidney Crosby, have expressed support for the move, citing the importance of protecting players from serious injuries. Meanwhile, some players have raised concerns about discomfort and visibility issues associated with wearing neck guards during gameplay.
As the league prepares for this transition, teams will need to adapt their training and gear requirements ahead of the 2026 season. The NHL Players' Association is also in discussions to ensure that the design and functionality of these neck guards meet the players’ needs while not compromising their performance. The goal is to strike a balance between safety and the fast-paced nature of the sport.
Overall, this change marks a pivotal moment in NHL history as the league continues to prioritize the well-being of its athletes, and increases awareness around player safety. The hope is that by adopting such measures, the NHL can prevent accidents and ensure that players like Connor McDavid can enjoy long, healthy careers without fear of preventable injuries.
The implementation of neck guards has sparked varied reactions across the league. Veteran players, such as Sidney Crosby, have expressed support for the move, citing the importance of protecting players from serious injuries. Meanwhile, some players have raised concerns about discomfort and visibility issues associated with wearing neck guards during gameplay.
As the league prepares for this transition, teams will need to adapt their training and gear requirements ahead of the 2026 season. The NHL Players' Association is also in discussions to ensure that the design and functionality of these neck guards meet the players’ needs while not compromising their performance. The goal is to strike a balance between safety and the fast-paced nature of the sport.
Overall, this change marks a pivotal moment in NHL history as the league continues to prioritize the well-being of its athletes, and increases awareness around player safety. The hope is that by adopting such measures, the NHL can prevent accidents and ensure that players like Connor McDavid can enjoy long, healthy careers without fear of preventable injuries.