The Devils honored Brenden Dillon during Monday’s pre-game warmups by ditching their helmets for hats that read “1,000 Dilly” to celebrate the defenseman’s 1,000th game.
Here’s the downside: They may have violated a league rule in doing so.
According to Rule 9.6, which was implemented in 2023-24: It is “mandatory for all players who entered the NHL beginning with the 2019-2020 season or later to wear their helmet during pre-game warm-up.
“To be clear, all players who entered the League prior to the 2019-2020 season and who are currently playing are exempt from this mandate.”
The Devils have six players — Dawson Mercer, Paul Cotter, Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec — who made their debuts during or after the 2019-20 season.
NJ Advance Media has reached out to the NHL for comment.
The Devils have not heard from the league at the time of publication, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
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A similar incident occurred during the Senators vs. Sharks game this week, causing the league to reportedly “act” after some players violated the helmet rule in warmups.
The league’s response amounted to a stern warning.
“We intend to send a reminder to Clubs regarding our collectively bargained rule requiring helmet use during warm-up,” Daly wrote in an email to Bay Area News Group. “I don’t anticipate that San Jose will be singled out or disciplined.”
The Devils are currently in a physical tilt with the Blue Jackets at Prudential Center. The game — which has featured a bevy of fights and big checks — is tied 2-2 entering the third period.
