Four Penguins Players Wearing Neck Protection In Practice

Along with Karlsson, fellow Penguins Marcus Pettersson, Lars Eller, & Ryan Graves wore neck protectors in the team practice session. Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan has made it optional, but recommended, for players to wear neck protection. A mandate was enacted for Pittsburgh's minor league affiliates.

This comes following the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers Forward Adam Johnson, who died after being cut by a skate in game by an opposing player. Johnson, who played 13 NHL games with the Penguins, was memorialized in a tribute by the team in their game against the Anaheim Ducks a day after his passing was announced.

The WHL announced yesterday it will be mandating neck guards for all players, starting on Friday, November 3rd. The OHL and QMJHL already had rules mandating the equipment prior.

Greg Wyshynski, in an Article for ESPN, reported that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has spoken to NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh about a potential implementation of neck guards, with further discussions planned throughout the league on safety measures.