Lindros: NHL rule changes have led to more concussions Rule changes designed to speed up the game in the National Hockey League are partly to blame for the rash of concussions plaguing the sport at the moment. At least that's the opinion of someone who knows all too well the effects repeated blows to the head can have on a player's career. Eric Lindros was often considered The Next One when he broke into the league in 1992. He won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP in 1995, but injuries -- not the least of which were four concussions -- blighted the latter half of his 14-season career, which ended with Dallas in 2007. "The game has changed; the rules have changed," the Big E said Monday night from Toronto just before heading out to play the game he loves so much. "They did away with the red line (for the two-line offside pass), so the rate of speed through the neutral zone is much higher. Defencemen can't help their partners by slowing opponents down between the blue line and the top of the circle and goalies can't play the puck behind the goal line outside that (trapezoid) area. "Would Raffi Torres have been coming through the neutral zone as fast as he was otherwise?" he added of the Vancouver forward's hit on Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks during their fist-round playoff series, which earned Torres an interference penalty, but no suspension. "Everyone's being so reactive right now, but the problem's actually been there for a long time. I think there are some strides being made, though." That may be because more players are speaking up, Lindros said. "Players are coming to the forefront more, being more honest about their conditions," he said. "But it's a two-edged sword. Once you get tagged with the reputation (of being concussion-prone), the amount of space you get on the ice pre-concussion as opposed to post-concussion is a lot different." But what about those blatant elbow-to-the-head artists, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Cooke? "There are a handful of players in the league who fall into that category in a large way and Matt Cooke is one of them," Lindros said. "And you know what the unfortunate part is? When the time comes for him to be a free agent, some general manager will sign him and pay him more than someone who kills penalties or plays on the power play because of his -- I can't really find another word for it -- trashy style of play. "And there's a large political scene in these situations. Colin Campbell (NHL vice-president and director of hockey operations, who dishes out the suspensions) is in a tough position, but there are a lot of back-door things done. Certain teams get taken care of differently than others, no question." To that end, Lindros suggested an independent panel of three people meet to determine suspensions for illegal hits. Last week, his former Philadelphia teammate and captain, Keith Primeau, acknowledged the effects of the concussions he sustained have left him "with good days and bad days." His biggest fear was a rapid deterioration as he got older. Lindros said he has no such concerns. "I feel very good," he said. "I feel healthy and I'm fortunate to feel as good as I do." Adding to his feel-good factor was Monday's announcement that Lindros, 38, will be one of 10 inductees into the London Sports Hall of Fame this November. "London's always been known a a great sports city and I'm honoured to be among them," said the former LMHA and Red Circle player, whose family moved to Toronto when he was still a young boy. "I really just love the game and I love to play. It's a beautiful game and if played correctly, there are no barriers."