Ducks general manager Bob Murray is currently in Pebble Beach for the NHL Board of Governors’ meeting. Among the issues on the agenda are the head-hunting hits that have caused serious injuries around the league.
The issue of hits to the head is one the league is going to continue to explore.
As part of Tuesday night’s meeting, NHL VP and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell made a video presentation to the governors outlining how the game has changed through the decades.
Defining what is a legal and illegal hit doesn’t sound like it’s going to be easy given the different perspectives out there.
“Some of the hits, where the player had no chance to anticipate it, had no chance to see it coming or avoid it, then maybe we have to look into it. But a player still has some responsibility,” said Brian Burke, president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“When I was playing in the AHL and got drilled, you got back to the bench and your own teammates would tell you to keep your head up, what are you doing? There is some accountability for the player.”
“There was some really good video on that subject, and it’s a subject we have to work hard to address,” said Anaheim Ducks’ GM Bob Murray.
“But you’ve got to be careful what you do when you talk about rule changes. Hitting is part of our game, and you don’t want to change the fundamental nature of the game.
“I can’t believe the number of players today skating with their head down, I just can’t believe it.”