Ryan O’Reilly, the veteran center for the Nashville Predators, is one of a diminishing number of NHL players who opt not to wear a visor, despite the potential risks. Family members frequently urge him to don the protective gear, particularly after close calls with pucks and sticks. O’Reilly, however, remains steadfast in his decision, citing a long-standing habit among hockey players. He shares that while he has sustained minor facial injuries, the comfort of playing without a visor outweighs the risks for him.

Other players like Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars and Zach Bogosian from the Minnesota Wild also forgo visors, echoing similar sentiments regarding personal comfort and the sport's culture. The NHL has seen significant eye injuries in the past, which may contribute to the ongoing conversation about player safety. Despite the league implementing rules requiring newer players to wear visors, those who established themselves before the rule continue to play without them, highlighting a divide between tradition and modern safety standards.

Ryan O'Reilly remains one of the few NHL players who defy the current safety trend by opting not to wear a visor, despite numerous close calls with sticks and pucks. The Nashville Predators forward is aware of the risks, having experienced injuries that could have been mitigated by facial protection. His resistance stems from a long-standing habit and a belief that wearing a visor might detract from his tough persona on the ice.

Alongside O'Reilly, notable players like Jamie Benn and Zach Bogosian also play without facial protection, reflecting an old-school mentality. Their comments reveal a reluctance to conform to modern safety protocols, despite the league’s history of serious eye injuries. This cultural debate within the NHL highlights the balance players must strike between safety and their established identities.

Ryan O'Reilly, a seasoned NHL center for the Nashville Predators, remains one of the few players in the league who chooses to play without a visor. Despite repeated requests from family and warnings from past injuries in the league, O'Reilly's habit of playing unprotected continues, marking a stark contrast to the league's safety regulations which mandate visors for all players with fewer than 25 games of experience since the 2013-14 season. This decision is not uncommon among veteran players like Jamie Benn and Matt Martin, who also forgo facial protection.

The risks associated with this choice are significant, as highlighted by past incidents such as Bryan Berard's devastating eye injury. However, for these players, the allure of maintaining an 'old-school' image and the comfort of their established playing style outweighs the potential dangers. They embrace their decisions as part of hockey's culture, a testament to their toughness and resilience on the ice.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing potential lineup changes ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, with defenceman Chris Tanev possibly sidelined due to an upper-body injury. Tanev practiced on Friday but coach Craig Berube expressed doubt over his participation in Saturday's game. The atmosphere at practice was notably somber due to recent trades, including Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins being sent to Pittsburgh. Goalie Anthony Stolarz acknowledged the mixed emotions of acquiring new players while losing teammates.

In a roster shakeup, Ryan Reaves has cleared waivers and will be playing with the AHL Marlies. This decision helps free up salary cap space for the recent acquisitions of defenceman Brandon Carlo from Boston and center Scott Laughton from Philadelphia. General manager Brad Treliving called the conversation with Reaves about waivers challenging, but emphasized that it isn’t a permanent goodbye as they hope to bring him back for the playoffs.

The NHL trade deadline has sparked significant movement as teams scramble to bolster their rosters for the playoff push. Among the notable moves, the Ottawa Senators have acquired center Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres, sending Josh Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker in the opposite direction. Cozens, with 31 points this season, adds depth to a Senators team contending for a wild-card spot.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been placed on waivers, potentially freeing up critical cap space. The Leafs face high prices in the trade market, raising questions about GM Brad Treliving's strategy.

In a surprising turn, the Colorado Avalanche secured Brock Nelson from the New York Islanders, a player previously linked to the Leafs. This moves comes as the Avalanche bolster their offensive line ahead of the playoffs.