NHL would like to make visors mandatory
The eye injury suffered by New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal has re-invigorated the debate over a mandatory visor rule in the NHL.
Citing multiple sources, ESPNNewYork.com reported that the issue was broached during the talks for a new collective bargaining agreement in January, but the union remained committed to letting a player decide.
"It's a continuing discussion we have with the Players' Association and among our general managers," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPNNewYork.com Wednesday via email. "We have consistently been in favor of a rule mandating visors. The PA has historically been in favor of maintaining 'Player choice,' coupled with continued education and sensitization.
Visor use among players has increased to about 73 percent this season, up from 69 percent in 2011-12, according to statistics collected by the National Hockey League Players Association.
