5 rule changes the NHL must consider during the 2024-25 season
Ahead of the approaching 2024-25 NHL season, what rule changes could benefit both the game of hockey and its players? What rule changes could make the NHL more entertaining?
Overall, the game of hockey is in a good place. Fans are relatively happy, players are relatively happy, and the environment in stadiums — particularly Devils Den — is thriving. That doesn't mean we can't make some suggestions that would make the game and the experience of hockey better.
There's always room for improvement, and for the NHL, that could come with some rule changes. There are many, many rule changes the NHL could implement. Perhaps a new overtime format or different three-on-three rules. Is a shot clock in the realm of possibility?
While there are numerous rule changes, the league could, should, and would employ Pucks and Pitchforks takes a look below at our top five. If these went into effect this season, the NHL would be immensely better as a sport and an organization.
5. Get rid of the salary cap
The NHL salary cap is the total amount of money that NHL teams are allowed to pay their players. It is a "hard" cap, meaning there are no exemptions. It was first introduced in 2005-06 and was a main crux of the full-season lockout. The cap is to keep teams in larger markets — with more revenue — from signing all of the top players and extending their advantage over smaller-market franchises. The cap for the upcoming season is $88 million. But should the NHL really utilize this? The players work hard, and there is money in the league. Why not compensate the players for how hard they work and play?
4. Simplify the number of penalty types
Let's see; there are minor, bench minor, major, misconduct, game misconduct, gross misconduct, game ejections, match penalties, and penalty shots. Some of these are always awarded when certain penalties occur; take major and game misconduct, for example. While some have the exact same punishment as others, with game misconduct and gross misconduct both involving a player getting sent back to the locker room. Maybe simplifying things is what the league needs.
3. Allowing kicked-in goals
If the puck deflects in off a player's skate with a “distinct kicking motion,” by the NHL rulebook, it’s no goal. As is the case in life and in sport, things happen. There’s a lot of gray areas to know if the puck is kicked or deflected or what, whether it be intentional or unintentional. Games are decided by goals. If a player gets a goal, a player gets a goal.
2. Tailgating
While not a rule that would affect players or league officials, fans would love — and I mean LOVE — for tailgating to be allowed at and/or around all NHL stadiums. The experience this would increase for the average fan does not need to be stated. Some of sports fans favorite moments are made at tailgates. And after the tailgate comes the game. The atmosphere in stadiums across the NHL is already electric. Now imagine them after tailgating can be NHL affiliated.
1. 10 minute 3-on-3 overtime
The NHL introduced three-on-three overtime back in 2015 and it has been a huge success. However these past few months the league is looking to adjust some of the rules to improve the format. If continuous three-on-three can’t happen, why not at least 10 minutes of it? Players like shootouts, and people want to see three-on-three. Extending three-on-three overtime to10 minutes would give fans more time to appreciate the game and the players. Not to mention it's been heavily talked about forever.
Honorable Mention: Full Body Checking for Women
While obviously not a rule the NHL could issue, in NCAA hockey and the PWHL, people would love to see women's hockey have the same body contact as men's hockey. The new pro women’s hockey league allows more hitting in the sense that the PWHL had written into its rules for more body checking. In NCAA play, body checking is illegal in its entirety. Having the same level of aggression allowed in women's hockey would bring more attention to their side of the sport and would be a welcome change for fans.
Now, let's get back to the now. The 2024-25 New Jersey Devils season opener is quickly approaching on October 4, where the Devils will fight the Buffalo Sabres in Prague, Czechia. They are taking on the Sabres in a back-to-back and will also be playing them on the 5th.
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