Report: NHL would like to see visor use mandatory

Rangers defenseman Marc Stall should make a full recovery after being hit in the eye with a puck. (Elsa/Getty Images) Even though it is a player's choice

Rangers defenseman Marc Stall should make a full recovery after being hit in the eye with a puck. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Even though it is a player's choice whether or not to wear a visor in the National Hockey League, league executives continue to debate about whether to make the equipment mandatory, reports ESPN.com.

The issue was raised during labor negotiations and continues on after New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal was hit in the eye with a puck during last night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Rangers said Wednesday that Staal has "improved significantly" and is expected to make a full recovery.

According to league union statistics, 73 percent of players are wearing visors this season, up from 69 percent last season.

"It's a continuing discussion we have with the Players' Association and among our general managers," NHL Deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN.com. "We have consistently been in favor of a rule mandating visors. The PA has historically been in favor of maintaining 'Player choice,' coupled with continued education and sensitization. And, in fairness, the use of visors has continued to increase at a significant pace over the last several years. So, I'm not sure a single incident will materially change or impact the ongoing discussion or approach."