2025-26 NHL Rulebook
Download the 2025-26 NHL Rulebook
Rule Changes for 2025-26:
- ‘Common sense’ added to rulebook
- Awarded empty net goals will go o fouled players (33.2)
- High-sticking definition changed (60.1, 60.3, 60.4)
- Hand pass clarification added for deflected pucks (79.1)
- ‘Skate blade’ defined as determining position for offside (83.1)
- Offside ‘control and possession’ now requires puck to be played with stick (83.1)
NHL Rules Articles
NHL Rule Book Updates for 2025-26
While there are no major changes from last year’s rulebook, the NHL has made a handful of minor tweaks and wording changes for the 2025-26 season.
NHL Rule Book Updates for 2024-25 Season
The NHL made some changes to the rulebook for the upcoming season. Most were minor tweaks, aside from one potentially significant addition to Coach’s Challenges.
Penalty Shots: How Do They Work? When Are They Called?
Breaking Down Penalty Shots: Reviewing the NHL’s criteria for calling a penalty shot and the procedure for taking one.
NHL Rule Book Updated for 2023-24 Season
The NHL Rule Book is hot off the press with some minor updates for the 2023-24 season. Here’s the rundown on the changes:
NHL Historical Rule Changes, 1910-2025
There have been quite a few rule changes over the years. Look back at the National Hockey League’s extensive history of changes to the rule book:
NHL GMs Discuss Rule Changes, Challenges, Reviews
The National Hockey League’s Board of Governors met earlier this week to discuss possible rule changes for the upcoming season.
NHL Revamps Review Rule to Permit Disallowed Penalties
There’s just one change to the NHL Rule Book for 2022-23, but it is a noteworthy one: Referees will now be able to nullify a major penalty after video review.
Ask The Ref: Habs/Lightning – Can a Player Carry Two Sticks?
Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard returned a stick to goaltender Jake Allen, while still holding his own. Is this legal, or did the refs miss it?
Canes’ Andersen Flagged for Stick Tape Violation
The Anaheim Ducks caught Carolina’s Frederik Andersen red-handed — or red-stick-taped — when they called him out for illegal tape on his stick
NHL Rulebook: Distinct Kicking Motion (37.4, 49.2, 78.5)
The NHL rulebook calls for goals to be disallowed when propelled into the net by a ‘distinct kicking motion’ — but what exactly does that mean? Here’s a look at the rule, along with the NHL’s video explanation.
