Bettman's Five Point Plan for Player Safety

1. Brendan Shanahan will work with the NHLPA on reducing the size, while still keeping the protection, of player equipment. 2. The NHL will implement changes to the current in-game concussion protocol, moving from a system where the team trainer gives a quick player test on the bench to a system where the team doctor gives those tests in a quiet room away from the ice. Also, if a player shows and "listed symptoms" of a concussion or if they grab their head following a hit, they will be held out of the game on a mandatory basis. 3. Supplementary discipline will be considered for teams and coaches that have a what the NHL determines as a "repeat offender" on their roster. 4. The NHL has hired an engineering firm to inspect the 30 rinks around the league to find areas where safety measures can be enhanced. 5. Finally, a "blue-ribbon panel" consisting of former players will analyze all of these rule issues, recommend changes and "examine topics relevant to the issue."