New York, December 02, 2025
The NHL has issued a league-wide memo enforcing the mandatory helmet rule during pre-game warmups for players entering the league from the 2019-2020 season onward, following recent violations by teams such as the New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks.
NHL Enforcement of Helmet Rule During Warmups
The National Hockey League (NHL) is reaffirming the requirement that helmets must be worn by players during pre-game warmups. This directive, based on Rule 9.6 of the official NHL rulebook, applies specifically to players who began their NHL careers with the 2019-2020 season or later. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the league’s intent to strictly enforce this rule in a memo sent to all teams and spoke with ESPN to clarify the timeline and rationale behind the policy.
Scope and Exceptions of Rule 9.6
The helmet mandate during warmups is not universally applied to all players. Veterans who joined the league before the 2019-2020 season retain an exemption that allows them to skate without helmets during these sessions. This nuanced approach balances respect for longstanding player privileges with the league’s broader ambitions to bolster player safety for newer entrants.
Recent Violations and Player Reactions
Some teams have recently tested the limits of the rule, prompting the league’s renewed warning. For example, the New Jersey Devils allowed certain players to wear baseball caps instead of helmets during warmups leading up to their December 1 game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This gesture was made in honor of defenseman Brenden Dillon’s 1,000th NHL game appearance. Similarly, San Jose Sharks’ goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic defended the choice by describing it as a harmless way to embrace individuality and embrace “a little bit of swagger” and “the hair flowing” while on the ice.
Despite such justifications from players and teams, NHL leadership has made it clear the rule will be enforced rigorously. The league’s memo stresses that exceptions are only applicable to players with the specified tenure, effectively closing any loopholes that could undermine uniform safety standards.
Regulatory Compliance and Player Safety Emphasis
The NHL’s renewed attention to this equipment rule reflects a growing emphasis on player safety and regulatory consistency within professional sports leagues. For business leaders, policymakers, and sports professionals, this enforcement signals the NHL’s commitment to maintaining rigorous safety protocols that protect athletes even during seemingly informal periods such as warmups. It underscores the league’s recognition that adherence to equipment rules is non-negotiable and integral to both player welfare and the sport’s integrity.
Looking Ahead
As teams and players adjust to the reinforced directive, it is expected that compliance will become uniform across the league. This move may also serve as an example for other professional sports organizations considering stricter enforcement of safety equipment rules during preparatory activities. The NHL’s firm stance on helmet use during warmups reflects not only concern for immediate player safety but also a long-term vision encouraging professional standards and accountability.