The NHL's oldest player was asked about his thoughts on the extra protective equipment while speaking to reporters in Sweden on Saturday.
STOCKHOLM — Sometimes it takes the oldest players to lead by example.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Mark Giordano was asked about his thoughts on neck guards when speaking to reporters in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday.
"I think I should try them. I’m willing to try them," the 40-year-old responded. "I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me personally, I would be open to try one and hopefully it feels comfortable when I use it."
On Oct. 28, Former NHL player Adam Johnson was killed while playing with the Nottingham Panthers of the United Kingdom's Elite Ice Hockey League when a skate blade cut his throat.
Since his death, the EIHL mandated neck guards as of Jan. 1, 2024, noting supply issues. The Western Hockey League has mandated neck guard use as of Nov. 3. The Pittsburgh Penguins — Johnson's former NHL team — instituted a team policy that mandates their AHL and ECHL players to wear neck guards.
That moment has given Giordano some pause and he's certainly open to trying out some of the protective gear around that area.
"It's pretty scary when you what happened in that game," Giordano recalled. "Sad moment in hockey."
The NHL and NHLPA have since been holding conversations about extra protective equipment.
"There’s not a consensus on what would be best in terms of why people don’t wear them," Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly told The Hockey News earlier this month. "It’s an issue of personal choice and comfort."
Around the NHL, some players have tried out neck guards. Philadelphia Flyers players Cam Atkinson, Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny all wore one at their practice on Friday.
The Penguins have put in a rule that requires their AHL and ECHL players to wear neck guards in games.
It seems like a matter of time before we see a member of the Maple Leafs try out the guards soon.
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