The NHL could follow the NFL with this one key ruling

Whether it's on the bench or in the tunnel, that sharp scent has become a pre-game ritual for many.

But now, with the NFL changing how players access smelling salts, some are wondering if the NHL could be next.

The idea was recently brought up by Brian Sweet, who noted the NFL's offseason rule change, teams can no longer supply smelling salts to players, meaning NFL athletes must bring their own.

This decision was driven in part by safety concerns, particularly the worry that smelling salts can mask concussion symptoms after big hits.

In hockey, the dangers of concussions are well-documented.

From open-ice collisions to heavy checks along the boards, the potential for head injuries is always present.

Sweet suggested that the NHL could explore a similar rule, perhaps limiting how many smelling salts players can access per game.

Such a change would aim to protect athletes from unknowingly playing through concussion symptoms, while still allowing the boost in focus some players swear by.

There's also a financial element to consider, if the league stopped providing them, players would have to purchase their own supply.

This might not be a big deal for veterans, but for younger players, it could be one more small expense to manage during the season.

Some players might resist, seeing smelling salts as part of their in-game preparation, not a safety hazard.

Others may agree with Sweet that a regulation would be worth it to avoid masking injuries.

Given how the NHL has increased concussion protocols in recent years, the conversation could gain traction.

As Sweet pointed out, football isn't the only sport where dangerous hits happen, and hockey might benefit from a proactive approach.

I believe the NHL should at least test a limited-distribution policy, if only to see if it impacts concussion detection.