New Jersey Devils' Jack Hughes, right, challenges Buffalo Sabres' Beck Malestyn during the NHL hockey game between Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, in Prague, Czech Republic, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (18) swerves to pursue the puck against Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Seattle. The Blues won 3-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Center Jayson Megna, shown playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, wears a cut-resistant neck protector while facing the Dallas Stars in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Center Jayson Megna, front, playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Dallas Stars Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, wears a cut-resistant neck protector in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Center Jayson Megna, playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Dallas Stars Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, wears a cut-resistant neck protector in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)