NHL to Grandfather in Mandatory Visors Starting Next Season

Mar. 5, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) skates off the ice with a trainer after getting hit in the face with a puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Competition Committee has asked for visors to be grandfathered in starting next season. Players who have played 26+ regular season or postseason games will have the option of not wearing visors.

The league will also be experimenting with hybrid icing and shallower nets next preseason. The creation of another committee is in the works to look at goalie and skater equipment. Finally, starting next season all four-minute high-sticking penalties will be subject to video review.

With the high-sticking video review now in place, one can’t help but wonder when a coaches challenge will finally be allowed. This play alone is reason enough to put the CC in place.

All current changes are subject to the Board of Governors for approval later this month.