Changes Coming To NHL?

In yesterday's morning snapshots I mentioned the NHL competition committee meeting to discuss new rule changes for the 2013-14 NHL season. Now that the meetings have concluded, information is starting to trickle out about what changes we can expect to come.

First and foremost: visors will be grandfathered in for all NHL players starting next season. Just as helmets were slowly introduced into the league, so too will visors. Any rookie entering the league will be required to wear a visor, though those players currently without one will still have the choice whether to adopt one or not. This is just logical, as they are essential for avoiding the rash of serious eye injuries we've seen lately. With about 75% of the current NHL fraternity already wearing visors, it looks like it's finally time to make this common-sense rule.


The second change is a little more intriguing. A few years ago, the goal lines were moved forward slightly, the thinking being that players would have more room behind the net to make plays. Well, apparently it wasn't enough, and now the nets themselves will become shallower. The committee recommended decreasing the depth of NHL nets by about 4 inches. Not much of a change, but it should allow players to fly around behind the net a little bit faster and potentially increase scoring chances.

Another change will be the video review of all four minute high sticking penalties. This one makes sense too, as occasionally a high stick resulting in blood may not even come from the offending team. With power plays becoming more and more important in the NHL, this is a great way to make sure the league makes the right call on these crucial penalties.

And the last recommendation may or may not be implemented, but they're going to give it a try. The long argued hybrid icing will be given a look during the NHL pre-season. Hybrid icing has long been a contentious point, as races for icing could be too hard to call by officials. However, if it can save guys from crashing full speed into the end boards, that's a small price to pay for the occasional missed call.

Now, it should be noted that none of these proposed changes have officially been adopted yet. The NHL board of governors and the NHLPA executive committee still have to vote to approve the changes. Many people feel though that this will simply be a formality and that the new rules will be in effect for opening day.