NHL and union discuss players’ safety after England deadly incident

NHL and the players’ union have been in talks regarding further safety measures after a player in Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League died when an opposing player’s skate blade cut his neck.

Adam Johnson’s death, described as a “freak accident” by his team and being investigated by British police, raised the question on whether players at all levels of the game should be forced to wear neck protection. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in an ESPN report on Wednesday that the league wants to prioritize protection but added that players have the right to make decisions for themselves.

“Whether it’s something that’s mandated directly or on a phased-in basis, that’s something we’ll discuss with the players’ association,” Bettman said.

Player’s death from a skate cut to the neck in England leads to more NHL talks on cut protection https://t.co/bo5O0lD5Y3 pic.twitter.com/YzxOVkS9gJ

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According to the report, Bettman said the issue of neck protection is not new and the NHL and National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) already had a joint committee looking at ways to better protect players from cuts to the wrist, leg or worse.