As the NHL scrambles to quickly impose penalties for blindside hits to the head – though it has backed off including in-game penalties this season – the Maple Leafs see the fast-tracking as a no-brainer.

"The sooner we can get that rule in, the better it is," said veteran defenceman François Beauchemin, reflecting the prevalent attitude in the Toronto room.

"It's good something is being done," said centre John Mitchell. "Guys will think twice about seeing someone with their head down and just going for the head.