The NHL announces rule changes for the 2024-25 season

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TJ Tucker
September 18, 2024 (2:18 PM)

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New rules will be enforced in the 2024-25 hockey season, and the NHL has released a full breakdown and explanation for each one

We're less than a month away from the official start of the 2024-25 hockey season, and the National Hockey League has released a full list of rule changes that will come into effect once it starts. It includes an expansion to the Coach's Challenge rules.

The NHL released the full list today, which includes an opportunity to rescind or take down a delay of game penalty for shooting the puck over the glass. It only applies to rescinding a penalty, not getting one called if a puck over the glass is missed.

"This only will apply to delay of game penalties when the puck is determined to have deflected off a player, stick, glass or boards, and not on a judgment call on how the puck left the defensive zone (e.g., batted pucks or if the puck was shot out from the defensive zone). In the event of a failed challenge, another two-minute minor penalty will be assessed (in addition to the existing delay of game penalty)."

In addition, defensive teams will no longer to be able to make a line change before a faceoff when the net comes dislodged from its moorings. Also, centres will now receive just one warning in the faceoff circle after an icing call.

"There will be an adjustment to Rule 63.8 so that the defensive team cannot make a line change in the event its goaltender accidentally dislodges the net (old language applied just to skater).

Following an icing, the offensive center also now will receive one warning (same as the defensive player) for a face-off violation."

Lastly, it looks like the NHL is cracking down on players and team staff sitting on the boards. After one warning, officials will call a penalty on the team in question if they have to be told about it again.

"The referee now will provide the offending team (coach and players) with one warning regarding players sitting on the boards (and will so advise the other team). After one warning in a game, the team precipitating the warning will be issued a bench minor penalty for future violations."

These rule changes have already been unanimously approved by the NHL's Board of Governors. The language of each new rule may change slightly over the coming weeks as they are officially added to the rulebook.

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Yes, looks good	10	14.9 %
Some, but not all	26	38.8 %
Don't like any of them	12	17.9 %
Not sure	19	28.4 %
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