Report: NHL adding 'central spotters' to aid in concussion protocol

The NHL will have four independent spotters monitor games on television this season to assist in detecting signs of concussions and potential head injuries, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

These "central spotters" will reportedly have the ability to communicate with teams and their training staffs if they see "visible signs" of a concussion to initiate the removal of a player from the game and begin concussion protocol.

The spotters are believed to have hockey backgrounds, according to Friedman. Teams will apparently still have their own spotters in the arenas.

The league will officially announce the change shortly before the regular season starts, a source told Friedman.