In the modern era of the NHL, visorless players have become a rarity.
Once a symbol of toughness and grit, the league has seen a shift towards player safety, and as a result, the number of visorless players has dwindled. So, which NHL players don’t wear a visor?
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the remaining NHL visorless players in 2023-24, including a pair of Benn brothers and NHL fan favorite Ryan Reaves.
Ryan O’Reilly, Nashville Predators
Ryan O’Reilly, a center for the Nashville Predators, is a rare combination of skill and grit. Known for his strong two-way game and faceoff prowess, O’Reilly has managed to excel on the ice while remaining one of the few visorless players in the NHL. His calm demeanor and focus on the game make him a force to be reckoned with, despite his decision to forgo the added protection of a visor.
Zach Bogosian, Minnesota Wild
Zach Bogosian has made a career as a stay-at-home defenseman, known for his physical play and shot-blocking abilities. A member of the Minnesota Lightning, Bogosian has continued the tradition of visorless defensem*n, showcasing a hard-nosed approach to the game that is increasingly rare in today’s NHL.
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars’ captain, Jamie Benn, is another example of a visorless player who excels in multiple aspects of the game. Benn’s blend of skill, physicality, and leadership has made him one of the league’s premier power forwards. As the face of the Stars’ franchise, Benn’s decision to play without a visor is both a symbol of toughness and a testament to his old-school mentality.
Matt Martin, New York Islanders
Matt Martin, a winger for the New York Islanders, is best known for his role as an enforcer. With a reputation for big hits and dropping the gloves, Martin’s visorless appearance aligns with the traditional image of a tough guy in the NHL. His commitment to protecting his teammates and providing energy on the ice has made him a fan favorite among Islanders faithful.
Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins
Milan Lucic, a member of the Boston Bruins, has built a reputation as one of the most intimidating power forwards in the league. Never shying away from physical play or dropping the gloves, Lucic’s decision to forgo a visor only adds to his fearsome presence on the ice. Fans of the Bruins have undoubtedly enjoyed watching Lucic lose it on Mathieu Joseph, showcasing his willingness to stand up for his teammates and play with intensity.
Jordie Benn, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jordie Benn, older brother of Jamie Benn, has carved out a career as a reliable defenseman in the NHL. While not as offensively gifted as his younger sibling, Jordie’s steady defensive play and willingness to block shots have made him a valuable asset on the blueline. As another visorless player, Jordie’s appearance harkens back to an earlier era of hockey, with his gritty style of play embodying the traditional defenseman’s role.
Ryan Reaves, Toronto Maple Leafs
Perhaps the most iconic visorless player in the league today, Ryan Reaves of the Toronto Maple Leafs has earned a reputation as one of the NHL’s toughest enforcers. With a penchant for delivering crushing hits and demolishing opponents in fights, Reaves’ visorless appearance is a fitting tribute to the old-school tough guys who came before him. As the league continues to prioritize player safety, Reaves stands as a reminder of the toughness and grit that have always been a part of the sport.
Recently Retired: Zack Kassian (Arizona Coyotes)
Verdict on NHL Visorless Players
As the NHL moves towards increased player safety, visorless players like Ryan O’Reilly, Zach Bogosian, Jamie Benn, Matt Martin, Milan Lucic, Jordie Benn, and Ryan Reaves represent a dying breed.
While the league has undoubtedly changed, these players serve as a reminder of the toughness and intensity that have always been an integral part of the game.
As the number of visorless players dwindles, the legacy of these gritty competitors will live on in the hearts and minds of hockey fans everywhere.
I'm an avid follower of the NHL, possessing a deep understanding of the league's dynamics, player trends, and historical context. My knowledge extends to the 2022-2023 season, and I have closely tracked the evolving landscape of player safety initiatives and equipment preferences within the NHL.
In the modern era of the NHL, the use of visors has become a prominent symbol of the league's commitment to player safety. The shift away from visorless players has been particularly noticeable, reflecting a broader trend toward prioritizing player well-being. In the following article, we explore the remaining visorless players in the NHL for the 2023-24 season, highlighting their unique characteristics and contributions to the game:
Ryan O’Reilly, Nashville Predators
Known for his exceptional two-way play and faceoff skills, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators stands out as a rare combination of skill and grit. Despite the league's push for increased player safety, O'Reilly remains visorless, emphasizing his focus on the game and his decision to forgo added facial protection.
Zach Bogosian, Minnesota Wild
Zach Bogosian, a stay-at-home defenseman with the Minnesota Lightning, has carved out a career as a physical player and shot-blocking specialist. His decision to play without a visor aligns with his hard-nosed approach to the game, showcasing a style that is increasingly uncommon in today's NHL.
Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
As the captain of the Dallas Stars, Jamie Benn exemplifies the visorless player who excels in various aspects of the game. His blend of skill, physicality, and leadership makes him one of the premier power forwards in the league, and his choice to play without a visor symbolizes toughness and a traditional mentality.
Matt Martin, New York Islanders
Matt Martin, a winger for the New York Islanders, is renowned for his role as an enforcer. With a reputation for physical play and dropping the gloves, Martin's visorless appearance aligns with the traditional image of a tough guy in the NHL.
Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins
Milan Lucic, a member of the Boston Bruins, has established himself as one of the most intimidating power forwards in the league. His decision to forgo a visor adds to his fearsome on-ice presence, showcasing a commitment to physical play and intensity.
Jordie Benn, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jordie Benn, the older brother of Jamie Benn, has built a career as a reliable defenseman. While not as offensively gifted as his sibling, Jordie's steady defensive play and willingness to block shots make him a valuable asset on the blueline, embodying the traditional defenseman's role.
Ryan Reaves, Toronto Maple Leafs
Ryan Reaves, playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is perhaps the most iconic visorless player in the league. Known as one of the toughest enforcers, Reaves' visorless appearance pays tribute to the old-school tough guys in hockey, emphasizing his commitment to toughness and grit.
Recently Retired: Zack Kassian (Arizona Coyotes)
Though recently retired, Zack Kassian of the Arizona Coyotes was part of the dwindling group of visorless players, contributing to the legacy of gritty competitors in the NHL.
Verdict on NHL Visorless Players
As the NHL continues to emphasize player safety, the presence of visorless players like O'Reilly, Bogosian, Benn, Martin, Lucic, Jordie Benn, and Reaves represents a diminishing trend. These players serve as a nostalgic reminder of the toughness and intensity that have been integral to the game, even as the league evolves. As the number of visorless players decreases, their legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of hockey fans, preserving the traditional elements of the sport.
