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
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.
NHL Rule Changes For 2019-20 Season
After further review, the NHL will be making some changes to the rule book for the start of the 2019-20 season.
Competition Committee Recommends Rule Changes, Review Tweaks
The NHL’s Competition Committee has proposed a handful of changes to the rulebook and review process that will be considered for the 2019-20 season
Brooks: NHL officials aren’t even trying to enforce rule standards
From the NY Post’s Larry Brooks: There is no excuse for the NHL’s dereliction of duty in overseeing and supervising the playoffs…
Down Goes Brown On Why Refs Can’t “Call It By The Book”
The Athletic’s Sean McIndoe took a deep dive into some rules that might have some unintended consequences if they truly were called ‘by the book.’
NHL Executive VP Colin Campbell: Hand Pass Was “Wrong Call”
NHL Executive Vice President Colin Campbell joined Sportnet’s Hockey Central to talk about the NHL’s use of video review and San Jose’s controversial hand-pass goal from Game 3
Rules Changes Up For Discussion at NHL GM Meetings
The NHL’s 31 General Managers are discussing potential rule tweaks during this week’s meetings in Florida
Wild’s Fiala Illegally Flips Stick To Teammate; Avoids Penalty
Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala avoided a penalty on an impressive — yet totally illegal — stick flip to return his teammate’s lost stick
Caps Win Shootout On Awarded Goal After Review of Thrown Stick
The Washington Capitals defeated the New York Rangers in a shootout on an awarded goal after goaltender Alexandar Georgiev threw his stick
