Helmet rules are back in the spotlight—and this time, the NHL isn’t staying quiet. After several teams skated without helmets during pregame warmups, the league is stepping in to remind everyone that safety rules still apply, even before the puck drops. But here’s where it gets controversial: some players and fans say the rule kills team spirit and tradition. So, who’s right?
The conversation reignited after the New Jersey Devils decided to ditch their helmets ahead of Monday night’s matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Instead of their usual headgear, players wore custom caps that read “1,000 Dilly,” a nod to defenseman Brenden Dillon’s milestone—his 1,000th NHL game. It was a fun and heartfelt gesture, but it didn’t sit well with league officials.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an email to The Athletic that the NHL will be issuing a formal reminder to all clubs about helmet requirements. “We intend to send a reminder to all clubs as to the applicable rules as they apply to the use of helmets in warm-up,” Daly wrote. He didn’t specify how or when the notice would go out, but the message was clear: the rules are there for a reason.
The Devils weren’t the only ones making headlines. Just last week, the Ottawa Senators and the San Jose Sharks also took to the ice sans helmets before their games against the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas. Only goalies Alex Nedeljkovic and Yaroslav Askarov opted to keep their protective gear on. Sharks forward Will Smith later described the move as a “team decision,” joking that “it was Saturday night in Vegas, so all the guys were pretty easy to convince.” The Senators made a similar call the night before their November 26 game, according to defenseman Jake Sanderson. “It was just a little discussion over a team dinner,” Sanderson said in a TV interview. “We’ll see if it happens in the future.”
The NHL, however, would prefer that it doesn’t happen again. The league officially mandated helmet use during warmups beginning with the 2023–24 season, expanding its long-standing emphasis on player safety. The rule specifically applies to any player who entered the NHL in or after the 2019–20 season. Veteran players who joined before that threshold are exempt, a detail that has caused some confusion and debate in locker rooms across the league.
Rule 9.6 spells it out clearly: “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.” The only customary exception remains the beloved “rookie lap,” where a first-game player skates a solo circle before teammates join him—a lighthearted moment that most fans adore.
Still, some argue that allowing players limited freedom during warmups—especially for special occasions or team tributes—adds personality and camaraderie to the game. Others insist rules are rules, and one small violation can quickly lead to bigger risks. After all, the league’s helmet mandate was originally introduced to reduce head injuries, even during drills and informal skates.
So the question is: should the NHL loosen up for these rare, symbolic moments, or stand firm on safety no matter what? Fans are already divided. Share your thoughts—are the league’s reminders protecting players or policing their passion?
