NHL explains three major rules changes for the upcoming season

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Axel Williams
September 19, 2024 (10:37)

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This season, the NHL is implementing three new rules, and today, the league decided to explain those new rules in an informative video.

The first rule change has to do with delay of game penalties. Now, those kinds of penalties can be challenged by coaches. Delay of game has always been controversial and sometimes, it is a true judgment call. Now, with technology the way it is, there is no excuse for the referees to get it wrong.

"This only will apply to delay of game penalties when the puck is determined to have deflected off a player, stick, glass or boards, and not on a judgment call on how the puck left the defensive zone (e.g., batted pucks or if the puck was shot out from the defensive zone). In the event of a failed challenge, another two-minute minor penalty will be assessed (in addition to the existing delay of game penalty)."

Next up, the league is implementing new rules for when the goalie knocks the net off. Just like icings, the defending team will be barred from making a line change. Logically, this makes a whole lot of sense.

"There will be an adjustment to Rule 63.8 so that the defensive team cannot make a line change in the event its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net (old language applied just to skater).

Following an icing, the offensive center also now will receive one warning (same as the defensive player) for a face-off violation."

Finally, the league will be doing away with players waiting for line changes by sitting on the boards. A warning will be put in place however if there are multiple infractions, there will be a penalty issued.

"The referee now will provide the offending team (coach and players) with one warning regarding players sitting on the boards (and will so advise the other team). After one warning in a game, the team precipitating the warning will be issued a bench minor penalty for future violations."

Do you like these new rules from the NHL? Let us know in the poll down below and stay tuned to Hockey Unplugged for the latest news and updates from around the hockey world.

Source: NHL on X
As camps open across the @NHL today, a reminder of the new rule changes in place for the 2024-25 season.