Police Provide Update On Adam Johnson Investigation

While most people in the hockey world believe the play was a random freak accident, British police are investigating the incident. It seems as though the investigation may take some time as well, implying that perhaps the case is not as cut and dry as we first thought.

"Since Saturday, detectives have been carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing footage, talking to witnesses and seeking the advice and support of highly specialised experts to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened. We have also been working closely with the health and safety department at Sheffield City Council, which is supporting our investigation."

Some prominent people in the hockey community have suggested or implied that they thought the incident may not have been 100% accidental. Just last night, Wayne Gretzky referred to the incident as a 'so-called accident' on TNT's hockey panel.

Gretzky was not the first former NHL player to suggest something about the play might have been a bit off. Mark Methot and Chris Therien also stated their controversial takes on X.

One good thing to come out of all of this is a greater emphasis on player safety. The Penguins have already announced that their AHL and ECHL players will be required to wear neck guards going forward and they are encouraging their NHL players to do the same. Several Penguins were seen wearing them at practice today, including offseason acquisition Erik Karlsson.

Additionally, the WHL, a top tier major junior league serving western Canada and parts of the U.S. announced that neck protection would be mandatory effective immediately as the rule goes into effect tomorrow.

At this point it seems like just a matter of time before neck protection becomes mandatory in every league, including the NHL.

As seen on New Insights Emerge From Police Authorities On Adam Johnson's Investigation