Today’s NHL Referees and Linespersons – 4/16/26
The National Hockey League referees and linespersons working the final day of the 2025-26 regular season. Some officials' seasons end here. Tonight's NHL officials for April 16, 2026:
NHL Officials
Stanley Cup Playoffs
How Much Do NHL Refs Get Paid for the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
NHL Referees and Linesmen earn a bonus for each round worked in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let's follow the money and break down the dollars for 2026:
The Latest
Linesperson Steve Barton Retires After 26-year NHL Career
Longtime National Hockey League official Steve Barton worked his final game on Wednesday as the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Dallas Stars.
Referee Ben Betker Set for NHL Debut at Flames/Avs
Referee Ben Betker will make his NHL debut in stripes tonight as the Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames.
Senators’ Tkachuk Penalized, Fined $2500 for Slash from the Bench
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has been fined $2500 for a slash from the bench that also earned him a minor penalty against the Buffalo Sabres.
Scouting the Refs Podcast: Hey, That’s Mine!
Kovachik retires, stick stealing, Domi vs. Gudas, goalie fight, Tkachuk’s bench penalty, rookie/ref run-in, Maurice says STFU, and more #RefsPodcast
Linesperson Brad Kovachik to Work Final NHL Game
Long-time National Hockey League linesperson Brad Kovachik is hanging up his whistle after the final buzzer sounds at Senators vs. Panthers tonight in Florida.
Leafs’ Pezzetta Penalized for Abuse of Officials
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta picked up a game misconduct for abuse of officials after shoving linesman Ryan Gibbons during Monday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Panthers’ Maurice Posts Refs Names – and “STFU” – Behind Bench
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice posted a cheat sheet of the officials’ names – with a personal reminder – behind the bench during Sunday’s game against the New York Rangers.
Does the NHL Need Emergency Back-Up Refs?
The NHL has made some tweaks to the Emergency Back-Up Goalie (EBUG) rules for the 2026-27 season. But what about Emergencey Back-Up Refs? Do we need EBUR?
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Podcast
Scouting the Refs Podcast: Hey, That’s Mine!
Kovachik retires, stick stealing, Domi vs. Gudas, goalie fight, Tkachuk's bench penalty, rookie/ref run-in, Maurice says STFU, and more #RefsPodcast
Situation Room
Wild Score In Overtime on Dislodged Net vs. Predators
The Minnesota Wild scored an overtime winner that never even went into the net, thanks to Rule 63.7
Player Safety
Senators’ Tkachuk Penalized, Fined $2500 for Slash from the Bench
Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk has been fined $2500 for a slash from the bench that also earned him a minor penalty against the Buffalo Sabres.
