Can NHL’s ‘cut-resistant equipment’ avoid injury and deaths of players like Adam Johnson?

The death of former NHL player Adam Johnson has given rise to several questions regarding the usage of cut-resistant equipment including neck guards.

Can NHL’s ‘cut-resistant equipment’ avoid injury and deaths of players like Adam Johnson?

Adam Johnson (Pic Credit: Imago)

The tragic death of former Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward Adam Johnson has left the hockey world shaking. The 29-year-old died after suffering a massive cut on his neck through a “freak accident” in a collision with Matt Petgrave. His death has brought back safety discussions along with neck guards and cur-resistant equipment.

Following his passing away, the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) made the usage of neck guards compulsory. This guard can help protect the neck from severing injury.

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The NHL on the other hand has been discussing implementing new changes and mandating the usage of this equipment. The Penguins announced that they are making the usage of neck guards mandatory for their minor league teams. However, the NHL has not yet announced any new rules. As per reports though, Gary Bettman is in conversation with the league executives regarding this.

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If this move does go through, players could be protected from this type of injury. The death of Johnson cannot be overturned but it can serve as an important reminder of the dangers of this game and how players could be protected while entertaining others.

Edmonton Oilers’ forward Evander Kane once suffered a similar cut to Adam Johnson

So far, fortunately, no player has lost his life in the NHL. However, all of this could have changed last season when the Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane forward suffered a laceration on his wrist against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The veteran forward saw a massive cut on his wrist by the sharp ice skate.

He would quickly grab his wrist and rush towards the medical staff. He was later rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery that same night. As a result of this, he would miss around three months of action. The injuries that Adam Johnson and Evander Kane suffered were both similar. The only thing is Johnson was not as lucky as Kane. Since the incident of Kane, the NHL has been talking about making some changes and they are likely to be discussed again soon.

Evander Kane and Ada Johnson
Evander Kane (L) and Adam Johnson (R) [Pic Credit: AP/Imago]
"NHL GMs and league hockey operations have talked about cut-resistant equipment for the past half-dozen GM meetings, dating back to the Evander Kane incident last year so this is an ongoing discussion".
Pierre LeBrun to TSN.

Another famous story of a player getting hurt through ice skate was in 1989. Goalie Clint Malarchuk was involved in a similar situation as Johnson and suffered a cut through his neck. Astonishingly he survived. However, he was reported to have developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In 2008, former Montreal Canadiens forward Richard Zednik suffered also suffered a similar injury. The question that arises is, if these types of incidents have taken place before, then why was the neckguard not issued earlier? It would take a few more days before any official decision is announced.

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