SEARCH


Bettman Highlights His Greed as He Refuses to Pay for a Player's Neck Guard

PUBLICATION
Dawson McKenzie
December 3, 2023  (11:49)
SHARE THIS STORY

Gary Bettman has shown his true colours again as this player has struggled to get a neck guard through the NHL.

Players Increasingly Wear Neck Guards After Adam Johnson Tragedy

Since the tragic accident that occurred to Adam Johnson, many NHL players have decided to wear neck guards. While not every player does, nor is it mandated yet, players from across the league have begun dipping their toes into wearing them, even for games.

Danila Klimovich is back in the Abbotsford lineup and is wearing a neck guard. #Canucks

Bertuzzi, Giordano and Benoit all wearing neck guards at Leafs practice

#Sabres Rasmus Dahlin wearing neck protection in tonight's game against the Flyers.

However, it is not the case that every player has been given the same access to neck guards across the league. When Rangers forward Nick Bonino tried to order an undershirt with a built-in neck guard through the NHL, it took too long to arrive, and he was forced to order one from Amazon.

Bonino said he actually tried to order an undershirt with built-in neck protector from NHL suppliers the day after the Johnson incident, but hasn't received it. That's why he went through Amazon.

While it is likely that Bonino's order did come in, when it comes to a piece of safety equipment, its a little alarming that it took the NHL so long to fulfill his order.

NHL and NHLPA Look to Discuss Potential Equipment Rule Changes for Neck Guards

The NHL and NHL Players Association will most definitely be discussing equipment mandates during this offseason. The decision to mandate neck guards is likely a smart one, but will have to come from the top if it wants to be effectively implemented.

Gary Bettman says he would "strongly encourage" players to wear cut-proof neck protection, but acknowledges that the NHL must work with the NHLPA before making any mandatory equipment changes.

As seen on House of Hockey - "The NHL Proves It Is Not Doing Enough For Player Safety After The Adam Johnson Tragedy"

POLL
DÉCEMBRE 3   |   132 ANSWERS
Bettman Highlights His Greed as He Refuses to Pay for a Player's Neck Guard

Do you think the NHL should mandate neckguards?

Yes9471.2 %
No3828.8 %
LIST OF POLLS
TRENDING NOW
2025-2026
NHL STANDINGS
GPWLOLPTS
Canadiens1293-18
Red Wings1394-18
Maple Leafs1375115
Lightning1264214
Senators1365214
Bruins1477-14
Panthers1265113
Sabres1254313
GPWLOLPTS
Devils1394-18
Penguins1484218
Hurricanes1174-14
Blue Jackets1275-14
Rangers1365214
Islanders1265113
Capitals1265113
Flyers1265113
GPWLOLPTS
Avalanche1371519
Jets1293-18
Mammoth1284-16
Stars1263315
Blackhawks1355313
Predators1456313
Wild1346311
Blues1347210
GPWLOLPTS
Kraken1262416
Ducks1173115
Golden Knights1162315
Oilers1465315
Kings1354414
Canucks1477-14
Sharks1346311
Flames143928
COMPLETE STANDINGS