NHL Hall of Famer advocates for added protection after Adam Johnson's death: 'It's worth it'

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Adam Johnson's death in October was a freak event that's been seen once in a generation.

The former NHL player died at age 29 after a skate cut his neck during a professional game in England; the incident led to the arrest of a man for manslaughter.

It's not the first time skates have resulted in gory injuries, but this one in particular has prompted change due to the unfortunate end result.

The International Ice Hockey Federation has made neck guards mandatory on all levels, including the Olympics. Those participating in the ongoing World Juniors tournament are currently wearing them. The league in which Johnson was playing at the time of his fatal injury also made them mandatory, and they've also been seen on several NHL players.

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Pat Lafontaine of the New York Islanders skates circa 1980. (Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images)

It's not uncommon to see injuries cut careers short, but that can't be said for lives.

Pat LaFontaine is a member of the former group, having suffered numerous concussions during his Hall of Fame career and being forced to hang up the skates earlier than he wanted.

LaFontaine starred for the New York Islanders dynasty that won four Stanley Cups in a row, and it's not particularly rare to see the elder generation not want to adapt with the times in sports, whether it be celebrations, safety, rules or anything beyond.

But LaFontaine knows there are much bigger things on the line when players take the ice.

"A player should wear as many things, as many protective gear items, that he or she can have," LaFontaine told Fox News Digital prior to Wednesday's Islanders