Never seen this before

[rkt.india]

Have a look at that, with a newer design a part of the impact could've been on the grill and might have saved him.

These are still hindsights. First of all, you don't play thinking of getting such rare injuries. Basic safety was not compromised in case of Hughes. These are such miniscule details, dont know players even told about or players would think how half or an inch extra grill can save them. Though, as DM said, the position, he was in, even this new helmet would not have done much.