Tell me, t, is this story finally going to prove to be the genie-let-out-of-the-bottle for the NHL in Toronto ??
Obviously, concussions have been a pretty big issue in the League since Sid put them front and center. But until now, I myself always felt like the League was far more about focusing on getting hits-to-the-head out of the game (which they seem to insist publicly to be the root of the problem) rather than analyzing any of the game's basic contributing factors.
While there has obviously been significant (and increasing) discussion on the issue here in the States surrounding the NFL, I myself have long felt John Q. NFL-fan fan really has little personal interest (or stake) in the issue.
In other words.....while even the most vocal NFL fan doesn't want their players injured (hence, affecting their team's chances to win).....I feel fans are generally content to wash their own hands of the issue, and leave it to the League and NFLPA (and the ex-players not represented by the Union) to address it in whatever manner it needs to be, well, addressed
With that in mind, could this represent the League and NHLPA's public crossroads on this issue ?? If THN really gets behind the story, perhaps that happens. If so, you know damned well the first guys the PA will trot out to the dais will be Sid and Jonny Toews.
Of course, NHL players (as individuals) don't have a history of opposing the League to anywhere near the extent of NFL (and especially MLB) players. I also get the (perhaps mistaken) impression concussions are far less a problem with youth hockey players in Canada than they are with youth football players here in the States.
IMO, the NHL will be ultimately be far more successful at sweeping the problem under the rug than is currently the case with the NFL.