Craig MacTavish was the last "bare-headed" NHL player. He retired after the 1996-97 season and is currently the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers.
Craig MacTavish.
Willi Plett, Brad Smith, Guy Lafleur
Zdeno Chara
Yes he was the last NHL player, playing without a helmet. See: http://www.oilersheritage.com/history/dynasty_players_craigmactavish.html
I have no idea who the last five players were, but the very last one was Craig MacTavish, who is the current head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. His last season was with the St. Louis Blues in 1996/97. When he retired at the end of that season he was the last player to not wear a helmet.
For a while he didn't have to, but then the NHL required the use of a helmet.
That distinction goes to George Owen, Boston Bruins defenseman. He had played football while in college and when he entered the NHL in 1928 he wore the same leather helmet that he had worn in college when playing football.
You can in-fact wear a full cage in the NHL. The reason why players do not wear a cage is because it obstructs vision.
I'm quite sure it was Al Secord in 1983.
some NHL players started to wear them in 2009 so it's likely in 2009
In August 1979, then president of the National Hockey League (NHL), John Ziegler, announced that protective helmets would become mandatory in the NHL. "The introduction of the helmet rule will be an additional safety factor," he said. The only exception to the rule are players -- after signing a waiver form -- who signed pro contracts prior to 1 June 1979.
montreal