The tragic incident where Nottingham Panthers' Adam Johnson died from a skate blade cutting his throat during a game, brought back eerie reminders of past near-fatal injuries in NHL. One striking example is goalie Clint Malarchuk's similar injury in 1989, which he survived. More recently, Edmonton Oilers' Evander Kane had a close call when a skate blade lacerated his wrist during a game in 2020, requiring immediate surgery and a long recovery.
Post these incidents, discussions around enhancing protective gear for players have gained traction. NHL executives are now looking beyond just neck protection to also improving wrist protection. The upcoming NHL GM meetings on November 14 in Toronto will feature this crucial issue, continuing an ongoing dialogue from past meetings spurred by Kane's incident. NHL's dialogue with a speed skating company about potentially adopting one-piece protective suits like those worn by speed skaters hints at the evolving nature of this discussion.
Although only a protective top has been agreed upon so far, the dialogue on comprehensive protective gear is anticipated to continue, in light of Johnson's tragic death underscoring the urgent need for better on-ice protection for all players.
