Season 7, Episode 9
November 14, 2025

 

On the latest #RefsPodcast:

  • Nashville Predators forward Michael Bunting tips a shot into the net vs. the New York Rangers that was just a bit high… but presented an opportunity for some technological enhancements
  • Boston Bruins blueliner Nikita Zadorov took out Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who left the game shortly after. Did it deserve a penalty? Or something more?
  • A scary hit from New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon took out Tyler Bertuzzi of the Detroit Red Wings. Dillon picked up a penalty and a fine, but was that enough for this high elbow?
  • Also, we check in with The Athletic’s Rules Court to break down some of their latest suggestions on changes to the NHL rulebook — including one likely controversial take on penalty shots.

 

 

Clear your calendars! Oilers fans—imagine spending a week in the sun with Edmonton legends! The Edmonton Hockey Legends Cruise 2026 sails July 17–24, 2026 aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, cruising the Mexican Riviera.

On board: Jason Strudwick, Bill Ranford, Ron Low, Gene Principe, Jack Michaels, Kelly Buchberger, and Louie DeBrusk.

You’ll get meet & greets, hot-stove sessions, Q&A panels, autographs, and a chance to watch the World Cup Final at sea with the legends. Cabins start at $2,399 CAD, and it’s just a $500 deposit to lock it in.

Book at cast.tours/edmonton and use promo code REFS2026 for $100 off per person—again, that’s cast.tours/edmonton – promo code REFS2026 – to save $100 per guest. 

 

Follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports, and be sure to subscribe to the Scouting the Refs Podcast!

Visit scoutingtherefs.com and follow @scoutingtherefs and @toddlewissports on Twitter/X, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky,and YouTube. Email us your questions – heyref@scoutingtherefs.com   #RefsPodcast

Questions? Comments? Just looking to vent? Call the Ref Line and leave us a message at 585-484-REFS!

 

 

The Scouting The Refs Podcast is a weekly look at the world of officiating and player safety within the National Hockey League, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world. We’ll break down the calls and the rules behind them to help understand why a penalty or suspension was – or wasn’t – handed out. 

Todd Lewis is a veteran broadcaster covering the NHL and other major league sports. Lewis is a former host on the NHL Network and on NHL Network Radio. He’s also worked for TSN, Sportsnet as a host/anchor and is a producer of other programs. 

Josh Smith is the managing editor of Scouting the Refs, the leading independent site related to hockey officiating which follows hockey officials across the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and other leagues around the world, including news, rule changes and interpretations, suspensions, and statistics on officials and penalty calls.