The NHL community has been increasingly adopting neck guards since the unfortunate incident involving Adam Johnson. Although not yet mandatory, a growing number of players are experimenting with the protective gear, even during games.
However, not all players have equal access to these guards. Nick Bonino of the Rangers experienced delays in receiving a neck guard ordered through the NHL, leading him to purchase one from Amazon instead.
The NHL and the NHL Players Association are set to discuss equipment regulations in the offseason. The potential mandate for neck guards, while likely beneficial, requires a coordinated effort for effective implementation.