The NHL has made some changes to the rulebook for the upcoming season. Most were minor tweaks, aside from one potentially significant addition to Coach’s Challenges.
The league released a handy video to break it all down. Check it out, then dig into the specifics below.
The most significant rule change is the addition of a Coach’s Challenge for a puck-over-glass delay of game penalty.
Coach’s Challenge for Delay of Game (Rule 38)
Finally – a rule change that combines two of hockey fans’ most loved situations: Coach’s Challenges and Puck-Over-Glass penalties! A penalized team guilty of shooting the puck directly out of play from the defensive zone can now dispute the penalty via Coach Challenge. This is the first time a team has been given the opportunity to overturn a minor penalty; all other penalty reviews are initiated by the on-ice officials.
If video review shows that the puck hit the glass, boards, another player, or a stick before going out of play, the penalty will be waved off.
If the puck went right out – or the video evidence is inconclusive – the team will be assessed another minor penalty for delay of game. The two penalties will be served consectively, giving the opponent a 4:00 5-on-4 power play.
Here’s the updated section of Rule 38:
When a minor penalty for delaying the game has been assessed under Rule 63.2 (iii) for shooting or batting the puck out of play from the defending zone. This will only apply to delay of game penalties when the shot/batted puck is determined to have subsequently deflected off a player, stick, glass or boards, etc., and not a judgment call.
The standard for overturning a minor penalty for delaying the game – puck over glass call to a defending player is the NHL Situation Room, after reviewing all replays and consulting with the On-Ice Official(s), determines that the puck was deflected or rebounded off the boards, glass, goal net frame or otherwise, or did not break the plane of the glass directed upwards, and should not be subject to a minor penalty (38.12).
No challenge can be issued for a non-call, in other words, no challenge is to be considered when the On-Ice Officials deem that it was not a violation of Rule 63.2 (iii). A challenge can only be used to rescind a penalty, not to have one assessed.
In the event of a failed challenge, an additional minor penalty (or double-minor penalty, as appropriate in cases where teams have already been penalized for an unsuccessful challenge in the game) will be assessed in addition to the existing delay of game penalty.
A handful of smaller changes have also been implemented.
Backup Goaltender Warm-Ups After Injury (Rules 5.3/8.2)
Previously, backup goaltenders had to come in cold. Now they’ll get a “brief warm-up” with no specific time provided, so it looks like it’ll be up to the refs’ judgment. A good move to help avoid further injuries — especially when the guy is coming in to replace someone already injured.
When a goalkeeper is removed from the game for mandatory medical evaluation/injury, the replacement goalkeeper may be afforded a brief warm-up.
No Defensive Line Change After Displaced Net (Rule 63.8)
This rule already applied to situations where the goaltender knocked the net off its pegs. The league has expanded it to also include nets displaced by defending players.
63.8 No Line Change – In the event that the goal post is displaced accidentally by a defending skater or goalkeeper causing a stoppage in play, the ensuing face-off shall be conducted at one of the end zone face-off spots in the defending zone. The offending team shall not be permitted to make any player substitutions prior to the faceoff. However, a team shall be permitted to make a player substitution to replace a goalkeeper who had been substituted for an extra attacker, to replace an injured player, or when a penalty has been assessed which affects the on-ice strength of either team.
Players Prohibited From Sitting On Boards With Skates Exposed (Rule 75.2)
This rule comes after a linesman was injured last season after being cut by the skate of a player sitting on the boards for a change. Players can still sit on the boards anticipating a change, but their skates will need to remain on the bench side. Failure to do so will result in a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The NHL officials will be granting a bit of grace to both benches as they get used to the change. Teams will get a warning for their first violation during a game before being issued a minor penalty.
A minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be assessed under this rule for the following infractions: …. (iv) Any player who sits on the boards (skate(s) exposed) during play. The Referee 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 minor penalty for future violations.
Warning for Faceoff Violation After Icing (Rule 76.4)
As we discussed on the Scouting the Refs Podcast, this change feels more like it’s about the optics of the situation. Fans – along with coaches and broadcasters – often get frustrated when players are tossed from the faceoff circle. Instead of the center getting kicked out for a violation following an icing, he’ll get to stay at the dot with a warning. A second violation will result in a minor penalty, as it did before. So, effectively, the only change is that the same center gets a second crack at it instead of him being replaced.
When an icing infraction occurs, the first face-off violation by either team will not result in the center being removed. The center will be warned by the Linesperson that the team has committed their first face-off violation, and any subsequent violation by that team will result in a bench minor penalty for delay of game – face-off violation being assessed.
Check out the updated NHL Rule Book for 2024-25.
Read up on NHL rule changes over the past 113 seasons:
