2019-20 NHL Rulebook
Download the 2020-21 NHL Rulebook
Rule changes for 2020-21:
- Offside has been changed to a vertical plane for players entering the attacking zone.
- Timeouts no longer permitted after goalie freezes puck on shot from beyond red line or when defending player dislodges net.
- Fighting hand gesture introduced
More details on rule changes for 2020-21.
NHL Rules Articles
NHL Rule Changes for 2020-21 Season
The NHL rulebook has been updated for the 2020-21 season with only one update: a change to the offside rule.
NHL Modifies Offside Rule to Extend Blueline to Vertical Plane
The NHL has modified the offside rule to allow a player’s skate to be off the ice provided it has not cleared the vertical plane of the blue line.
Stars’ Khudobin Busted For Illegal Stick Tape
Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin had to make an unplanned equipment change after his stick tape was found to be illegal.
The Offside Rule Hasn’t Changed… Yet.
The NHL may be tweaking the rule for offside plays, but that change hasn’t taken effect just yet.
NHL Rules on Legality of Lacrosse-Style Goals, High Sticks
The NHL recently sent a memo to officials regarding the legality of lacrosse-style goals in the National Hockey League. Here’s where they fit in the NHL rulebook:
Leafs’ Matthews Gets Away With Illegal Stick Flip to Teammate
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews saw a teammate in need of a stick, and decided to help the guy out. It was cool. It showed amazing skill. It was totally illegal.
NHL Admits Error in Coach’s Challenge Decision on Devils Goal
Bad call! The NHL admits the incorrect ruling was made on a Coach’s Challenge after the Minnesota Wild disputed a New Jersey Devils goal that came after the puck was played by a high stick at center
NHL’s New Helmet Rule Impacting Goal Scoring
The NHL’s new helmet rule is designed to improve player safety, but it’s also impacting play on the ice when it comes to goals being scored — just ask Connor McDavid.
OHL Adds Coach’s Challenge, Offside Replays, and Penalty Reviews for 2019-20
The Ontario Hockey League has updated the rule book for 2019-20, including review of major and match penalties, offside review, and coach’s challenges.
NHL Rulebook – 2019-20 Updates
The NHL rulebook has been updated for the 2019-20 season. Changes for this season include expansion of Coach’s Challenges; changes to failed challenges; additional ref reviews for major penalties, match penalties, and high-sticking double-minors, and some minor tweaks to lines changes, displaced nets, and faceoff locations.
