I don't know what is taking so long, they have been talking about this for over a decade but never seem to go through with it. I don't understand how people can say that goalie equipment is reasonable as it stands right now. Here's an example of how ridiculous these chest protectors have gotten over the years:
Ben Bishop in gear...
...and out.
And shots are harder with composite sticks and the development of athletes that we see today and goalies should be protected. But the contrast between goalies from past era's and today is a bit ridiculous and not at all in line with changes in shot speed. Bobby Hull had a 118.3mph slap shot on record (though speed guns were less reliable back then), Al MacInnis registered a 100mph slap shot a few times in the All Star Competition in the 90's, and Al Iafrate had a 105mph slap shot registered back in 1993.
1993 Stanley Cup Finals
Today's goalie
(Please note Mason is out of his net a bit in the picture above so it's not as drastic as it appears)
And new nets is definitely not the way to go but a significant change in shoulder pads (materials and size) and a continued decrease in leg pads would make a huge difference, all IMO of course.