Forty years after the NHL began debate over making helmet use mandatory, similar discussions exist regarding visors.

With visors required in major junior hockey and the American Hockey League, the NHL is pondering a step to require all new players to wear visors. NHL Players Association president Paul Kelly has expressed his support for the rule change.

A survey by The Hockey News this season shows half of the league's skaters elected to wear visors, up from 24 percent in 2000-01. Those who choose not to wear visors say the shield can fog up, get wet from the ice or distort vision. In addition, players have been cut by the shield of their visors.

Twelve of the Stars' 23 skaters wear visors. Veteran center Stu Barnes became a visor convert a few years ago and supports their mandatory use.

"The switch was easier than I thought," Barnes said. "It's a lot like the helmet law, where players didn't want to wear them but it was the best thing for everyone. I think safety is that important."

Stars defenseman Philippe Boucher has suffered two eye injuries and now wears a visor but said he believes veteran players should have a choice.

"It has to be grandfathered in," he said. "You can't just force people to change."

Forward Steve Ott doesn't wear a visor and said he has no plans to.

"I think it's fine for the new guys coming in, but I don't think it should be required for everyone," Ott said. "If you've been given the choice to not wear one, you shouldn't be forced to wear one now."