NHL Mandates Cut-Resistant Neck Protection for New Players Starting 2026

In a significant move aimed at enhancing player safety, the National Hockey League (NHL) will mandate that all new players wear cut-resistant neck protection starting in the 2026-27 season. This decision, rooted in growing concerns over player safety following recent tragic incidents, marks a pivotal change in the league's approach to protective gear. The rule, outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), stipulates that players with no prior NHL experience must wear neck guards rated with a minimum cut level protection score of A5, in accordance with the ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Standard.

This mandate comes in the wake of the tragic death of Adam Johnson, a player in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), who succumbed to injuries from a skate cut to the neck in October 2023. This incident sparked widespread calls for enhanced safety measures across hockey leagues worldwide, leading many junior and professional leagues, including the American Hockey League (AHL), to adopt similar requirements. However, unlike the AHL's rule, which applies to all players, the NHL's decision only affects those entering the league from the 2026-27 season onwards. Current players will be grandfathered into the existing regulations, a practice reminiscent of the league's introduction of mandatory helmet and visor rules in previous decades.

According to NHL officials, this decision reflects a commitment to evolving player safety standards while balancing the professional autonomy of current players. "The new rule is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of future players," stated Gary Bettman, Commissioner of the NHL, during the announcement on July 10, 2025. "While we respect the preferences of existing players, we must prioritize the safety of those who will enter the league in the coming years."

Despite the significant change, many current players remain opposed to a universal neck guard mandate. A poll conducted by The Athletic in 2024 revealed that approximately 78% of NHL players voted against a league-wide neck guard requirement. This sentiment is echoed by Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland, who has worn a neck guard since 2023. Garland cited a near-miss incident involving fellow player Mark Scheifele as a catalyst for his decision to adopt the protective gear. "I figured I might as well put it on. It's just protection; I don't feel it," Garland remarked, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in protective equipment usage.

As the NHL prepares for the implementation of this new regulation, historical context reveals a trend towards increased player safety in professional sports. The introduction of the helmet rule in 1979 and the visor rule in 2013 showcases a gradual shift towards mandatory protective measures in hockey. The expectation is that, similar to these past changes, the adoption of neck guards will become a normalized aspect of the game over the coming years.

With the NHL reporting that only 7.8% of skaters wore neck guards during the 2024-25 season, the upcoming mandate is likely to alter the landscape of player safety significantly. As the league moves forward, the commitment to protecting players, particularly those who are just beginning their professional careers, will be paramount. Looking ahead, the NHL's decision could serve as a precedent for other professional sports leagues in prioritizing player safety and well-being, ultimately shaping the future of athletic competition.