Marchand denies reports that NHL told him to stop licking opponents

Discontent over the goalie interference rule has been grabbing headlines for weeks, but the head shot discussion carries far more serious implications for a league still grappling with how best to protect its players.

Veteran New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider said Monday that a growing number of players are concerned the NHL will announce a “drop-deadâ€� deadline for returning to play as the coronavirus pandemic lingers with summer coming up fast. The 34-year-old Schneider said some Devils are apprehensive because the NHL has said it would take three weeks of training before allowing games. “I think that’s everyone’s concern right now,â€� said Schneider, the team’s union representative.