New shoulder pad rule for next season?

[PWBIII 0]

I'm hearing of a new rule approved by the nhlpa that all players will have to wear shouldies with pads with a certain thickness. If they don't meet the requirements then they have to get new pads or have a kit sewn on. Has anyone else heard of this yet. Curious as to how this is going to be enforced and the reaction from some of the older players in the league.

[Krev 86]

Pretty sure this is another iteration of the shoulder pad plastic cap rule that's been floating around for a while since the elbows with plastic caps were outlawed... has yet to be passed.

[PWBIII 0]

I sure hope nothing happens. But from the way my eqm and gm were talking today it looks like some sort of change will occur for next season.

[xrickyb86x 1]

I'm guessing it's to reduce the thickness and take out plastic caps? That would make sense.

[Chadd 916]

I sure hope nothing happens.

Why not? The point is to make the pads less dangerous to the people they hit. If they aren't going to do much to prevent head shots, the least they can do is make them less dangerous.

[PWBIII 0]

Because I am basically thinking selfishly about what we get to deal with throughout the season as far as guys complaining about the change. From what I gathered, what we are going to do is give a guy a brand new set if his do not have enough protection. Also there will be kits available with the correct shoulder caps and bicep pads...which means a ton of sewing and modification...plus the cost of dozens more pairs of shoulder pads but still having the same budget. If it cuts down on injuries, than it will be more than worth it. I just don't think it will make that much of a difference unfortunately.

[shooter27 117]

I don't think its about making a guy's pads more protective for him (i.e. bulkier). I think the issue is the plastic caps, just like it was with the elbow pads a few years back. If I remember correctly guys could still used the same elbow pads as long as the plastic was covered with a thin layer of padding. Since its external to the pad it shouldn't have much, if any, effect on the way the pad feels to the player.