It's taken a long time for something like this to happen but the timing seems about right.
If anyone is interested, in June, 2001 - 12 years ago - when I was writing columns for Calgarypuck, I penned some thoughts on the probability of gays in the NHL and what might happen when someone finally stepped forward. The column is at this link:
http://www.calgarypuck.com/archive/Charlton_060401.htm
I'd say the climate in popular culture is now about right for such disclosure versus what it was back then.
I'd expect Collins to do just fine and not have much in the way of repercussions. In fact, he may find endorsements, etc easier to come by.
It will be interesting to watch.
Cowperson