Following the death of former Pittsburgh Penguin Adam Johnson, the and NHL Players A socation are looking into their options for more protective equipment, especially for areas like the neck and wrists. Johnson , and the NHL is hoping to avoid another tragedy like that in the Justin James Jersey future. League commi sioner Gary Bettman spoke to reporters at Metlife Stadium for a Stadium Series pre s conference on Wednesday, and he was asked about the po sibility of extra protective equipment. Bettman said it may take some time, but he hopes the NHL and NHLPA can reach a solution in the near future. "Whether it's something that's mandated directly or on a phased-in basis, that's something we'll discu s with the players a sociation," . Marty Walsh, the NHLPA executive director, said that the players a sociation will "explore everything" as it pertains to cut-resistant equipment. "I think we have to continue to have conversations on this as we move forward here," Walsh said. "It's a change for the players, but it's also about protecting them, so I think we will have those conversations as we move forward here." Bettman said the league wouldn't mandate anything without the NHLPA's approval and noted that it's "human nature" to resist change. He just hopes that the league can act sooner rather than later to prevent a freak accident. Some NHL franchises have already taken some steps of their own. On Monday, coach Mike Sullivan told reporters that the organization was requiring neck guards for its AHL and ECHL teams. They can't do that at the NHL level, but the Pens will still recommend the players look into extra protection on their own. "We're in the proce s right now of trying to talk to our players about some protective equipment in those vulnerable areas," Sullivan said. "Our (AHL) team is mandated that they are going to wear neck guards and wrist guards. Our (ECHL) team as well. We can't do that at the NHL level, but we can certainly strongly encourage. That's our hope. Hopefully, as a league, we can work toward developing more options for our guys in the protective department with respect to these areas." Tyrese Haliburton Jersey