5 rule changes the NHL must consider during the 2024-25 season

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.