from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

NHL players have reservations about a potential move to use three-on-three play in overtime next season to decrease the number of games decided by shootouts.

"My real concern is that top guys are going to be put in these situations, and there will be more wear and tear on them," NHL Players' Association executive Mathieu Schneider told USA TODAY Sports.

The rules change, to be discussed at the annual general managers meetings in March, has gained traction with GMs because the use of three-on-three this season in the American Hockey League has resulted in 74.8% of overtime games being decided before the shootout. That figure is 45% in the NHL.

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