Last night, second-overall pick Leo Carlsson played in his first NHL game. Prior to the start of the game, he participated in the long tradition of the NHL, the rookie lap. Instead of listening to Gary Bettman's new rule about wearing a helmet in warmups, Carlsson did his own thing, going bucketless for his first warmup in his career.
Carlsson was the second overall pick in last year's draft, behind Connor Bedard. He had one goal in his first NHL game.
Carlsson is one of many rookies who have decided to break the new NHL's rule in order to get the most out of their memorable first-ever warmup. Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli, the first overall and third overall picks in last year's draft, both elected to go without their helmets as well, raking in the fines.
It's likely that these teams are paying their player's fines, or even their veteran teammates are, to make sure that the rookies get the full experience of their first NHL game.
As seen on House of Hockey - "BREAKING: 2023 2nd Overall Pick Leo Carlsson Fined Thousands"
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 20 | 280 ANSWERS Ducks Leo Carlsson fined by the NHL Do you think the NHL should change the rule? | ||
Yes | 219 | 78.2 % |
No | 61 | 21.8 % |
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