The incident involving Casey Fitzgerald, son of New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald, highlights a significant concern in the NHL regarding player safety from skate blade injuries. During a game for the Hartford Wolfpack, Casey suffered a severe neck wound from an opponent's skate. Although he remained on the ice initially, he later sought medical attention and was rushed to the hospital, requiring 25 stitches. His quick recovery has sparked a passionate call from his father for mandatory protective equipment in the NHL, particularly neck guards, which are currently optional.

Tom Fitzgerald's emotional recounting at the NHL GM meetings underscored the importance of player safety, especially following the tragic death of former NHL player Adam Johnson due to a similar incident. Other GMs echoed this sentiment, advocating for enhanced protective gear to prevent such devastating injuries. The need for a cultural shift towards prioritizing long-term health over immediate performance is a crucial conversation point as the NHL continues to evaluate player safety protocols.