The Devils‘ heartfelt act during warmups on Monday went against NHL rules.
Before the team’s 5-3 loss against the Blue Jackets, New Jersey honored Brenden Dillon by ditching their helmets for hats that read “1,000 Dilly” to celebrate the defenseman’s 1,000th game.
According to Rule 9.6, which was implemented in 2023-24: It is “mandatory for all players who entered the NHL beginning with the 2019-2020 season or later to wear their helmet during pre-game warm-up.
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“To be clear, all players who entered the League prior to the 2019-2020 season and who are currently playing are exempt from this mandate.”
So, will the league step in? Apparently yes, but it’ll only be a slap on the wrist. NJ Advance Media reached out to NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly for comment Monday night.
“We intend to send a memo to the Clubs reminding them as to applicable rules mandating helmet use in warm-up,” Daly told NJ Advance Media in an e-mail.
The Devils have six players — Dawson Mercer, Paul Cotter, Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec — who made their debuts during or after the 2019-20 season.
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A similar incident occurred during the Senators vs. Sharks game this week, causing the league to reportedly “act” on them as well.
“We intend to send a reminder to Clubs regarding our collectively bargained rule requiring helmet use during warm-up,” Daly wrote in an email to Bay Area News Group. “I don’t anticipate that San Jose will be singled out or disciplined.”