Report: NHL introducing concussion spotters for games

The National Hockey League appears to be taking steps toward improving its concussion protocol.

The league will reportedly introduce spotters for every game this season, whose role will be to determine visible signs of concussion among players, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA.

The spotter will be responsible for sending players noticeably shaken up after a hit to the locker room, deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed to Lavoie in an email.

TSN's Darren Dreger further explained the process in a series of tweets Monday:

The concussion spotter simply offers an extra set of eyes in the event team medical staff are busy. Can't miss something obvious. For a player to be removed from a game by a spotter, said player would have to exhibit three clearly visible concussion symptoms. The spotter will alert team personnel of any abnormalities, but is obligated to have player tested if three concussion symptoms are clear.

This measure, first introduced by the NFL, is aimed at holding teams accountable for taking potential concussions seriously, ensuring that players are examined promptly after being hit in the head.

Previously, teams received undisclosed fines if they failed to send a player with visible signs of concussion to the locker room for examination.