Former NHL star blasts NHL for concussion protocol

No one knows more about the severity and impact of head injuries in the NHL than former Boston Bruins star Marc Savard. After suffering his sixth concussion in 2011, the then 33 year-old Savard was forced to retire from the game he loved. 

Savard recently spoke with Sportsnet about the current state of the NHL and, specifically, its stance on brain trauma. For one, Savard feels that suspensions on head shots should be mandatory. Speaking with Sportsnet’s Starting Lineup, Savard said “As I sit here and I think back to the [Sidney] Crosby situation with [Matt] Niskanen—I know it doesn’t look deliberate but it’s still a headshot and I think there needs to be a suspension no matter what whether it’s deliberate or not. You still hit the head whether you meant to or not.”

On top of mandatory suspensions, Savard feels that the punishment that the NHL currently hands out is not harsh enough to be effective. “There needs to be time served for that just so players are even more aware so no matter what it’s an area you can’t hit,” Savard suggested. “It needs to start at, I don’t know, seven games. It needs to get up in the big numbers right away so it’s that clear.”

With more and more players suffering from serious head injuries each season, it’s time for the NHL to get serious about ridding the game from head shots. Savard’s recommendations may go a long way toward accomplishing that.