Hurricanes Push for Tougher NHL Head Shot Rules

From NHL coverage, this is your March 21st update.

The NHL's rules on headshots have sparked debate for years, but now Carolina Hurricanes

owner Tom Dundin and General Manager Eric Tulski are pushing.

Hard for tougher penalties.

They argue the league's current standard under Rule 48 doesn't go far enough to protect

players from illegal checks to the head.

At recent General Manager meetings in Florida, Tulski directly told Commissioner Gary

Bettman that enforcement needs to get stricter.

This came amid growing calls for the league to step up its supplemental discipline on dangerous

hits.

Hurricanes players and coach Rod Brindamore stayed cautious after a game in Toronto against

the Maple Leafs.

Captain Jordan Stau called it a touchy topic, noting everyone has opinions on fines and suspensions,

while Brindamore pointed out the physical side.

Of hockey, we'll always carry some risk.

The push gained steam after Minnesota Wild, four Tyler Pitlicks hit on defenseman Jalen

Chatfield in November.

Pitlick got ejected, but faced no suspension, frustrating Hurricanes leadership.

While Dundin and Tulski lead the charge, real change likely needs buy-in from players, coaches,

and other teams across the league to shift the NHL's.

Approach for good.