RIP To Chris Simon, the pride of Wawa, Ontario, a team guy who everyone loved. It’s a sad day when anyone dies at the young age of 52. The hockey community has come forward with a ton of support.

Folks…sad day today…Chris Simon was most definitely an intimidating guy on the ice…hell of a player as well…we spent a lot of time together during Flames 04 run since we were both living in the hotel…he couldn’t have been nicer to me. RIP Chris. You will be missed.

— Mike Commodore (@commie22) March 19, 2024

Just awful news yesterday. RIP Chris Simon, pride of Wawa, Ontario https://t.co/trzvfJwric

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 20, 2024

Enter Dan Carcillo—an advocate for bringing to the forefront the link between repeated head trauma and CTE.

Rest in peace Chris Simon and my condolences to his family and friends

This is a stark reminder that a contributing factor to this tragedy was playing in a league that continues to deny a link between repetitive head trauma and neurodegenerative disease

If you are a current… pic.twitter.com/P0yOWgbEct

— Daniel Carcillo (@CarBombBoom13) March 19, 2024

The NHL’s stance on the link between repetitive head trauma and neurodegenerative diseases has remained contentious, with the league consistently denying a direct correlation despite growing concerns and mounting evidence across sports medicine and scientific communities. The issue has gained significant attention, mainly as other major sports leagues like the NFL have acknowledged such a link and implemented measures to address player safety.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly is leading the NHL in its position. He has been vocal in asserting the league’s skepticism regarding the existing scientific consensus.

Asked Bill Daly whether the #NHL’s viewpoint has changed with additional medical studies that show a definitive link between CTE and repeated blows to the head.

“No,” Daly said. “I think the science is still lacking.”

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 20, 2024

Daly contends that while the NHL takes player safety seriously and continues to invest in research and initiatives aimed at minimizing head injuries, conclusive evidence establishing a direct causal relationship between repetitive head trauma in hockey and neurodegenerative diseases like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is lacking.

The NHL has emphasized the advancements in equipment technology, rule changes, and player safety protocols implemented in recent years as evidence of their commitment to minimizing head injuries. These efforts include stricter enforcement of rules against hits to the head, enhanced concussion protocols, and improvements in helmet design aimed at reducing the risk of brain injury.

Former players and medical professionals continue to push for greater acknowledgment and action from the NHL. They argue that while the league’s efforts are commendable, a more proactive approach, including greater transparency, collaboration with researchers, and prioritization of player safety, is necessary to adequately address the potential long-term health risks associated with head trauma in hockey. As the debate persists, the NHL is under increasing pressure to confront the issue with greater urgency and transparency, especially as public awareness and concern continue to grow.