Evander Kane Evolves in Adam Johnson's Tragic Passing

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Skyler Walker
November 5, 2023 (6:06 PM)

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NHL Safety Concerns Rise After Recent Tragedy

The NHL has never witnessed a player fatality on the ice, but a recent incident has heightened concerns about player safety. Adam Johnson, a forward for the Nottingham Panthers and former Pittsburgh Penguins player, tragically lost his life after his throat was accidentally slashed by a skate blade in a collision with Sheffield Steelers defenseman Matt Petgrave.

Past Incidents Prompt Safety Discussions

This tragic event evoked memories of the 1989 incident involving goaltender Clint Malarchuk, who miraculously survived a similar neck injury. Just last year, Edmonton Oilers' forward Evander Kane suffered a wrist laceration due to a skate blade, which, fortunately, he survived after surgery and months on injured reserve.

NHL GM's Bring up Evander Kane's Tragic Event

«It should be no surprise that the NHL GM meetings that are coming up on November 14 in Toronto will feature that as a subject of discussion. It's also worth noting that 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. It's also a discussion that always seems to be reactive as opposed to looking ahead and one of those things I thought about today is we know there is cut-resistant technology today in equipment, but what about a one-piece suit like you see on a speed skater? I actually chatted with a league official today who said they've had conversations with a speed skating company where that's not a crazy thought. It's not on the table right now - the league has talked about only a top, which the league has signed off on, but I think it's the kind of conversation in the big picture that certainly we will continue to have here.»

The focus on player safety, particularly neck and wrist protection, is not new. Upcoming NHL GM meetings in Toronto on November 14 will address these concerns. Pierre LeBrun reported that cut-resistant equipment and innovative solutions, like one-piece suits, are under consideration. These discussions aim to ensure the safety of all NHL players, as incidents like these highlight the importance of proactive safety measures.

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NOVEMBRE 5 \| 666 ANSWERS Evander Kane Evolves in Adam Johnson's Tragic Passing Do you think the NHL should implement mandatory cut-proof equipment?
Yes!	486	73 %
No, should be the players choice	180	27 %
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