Good evening. The NHL General Manager’s meetings were supposed to end at 6:30. It’s 7:15 and they still haven’t. News is beginning to come out of the meetings though so we’ll add more to this post as more news comes out.
We’ll start with the news we do have. The NHL is going to change how overtime works. Full details aren’t out yet, but according to Bob McKenzie the NHL is going to go to three on three overtime.
Pending B of G approval, NHL will go to 3-on-3 overtime for 5 minutes in regular season games next season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
But, they won’t even waste their time with four on four anymore.
For those asking, no 4-on-4 OT at all. Right to 3-on-3. 5 minutes sudden death. No goal, it goes to shootout.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
McKenzie also has some details about the NHLPA’s position on the new overtime rules
NHLPA was adamantly opposed to AHL-tested model (4 mins of 4 on 4 and 3 mins of 3 on 3) so NHL choice was no change at all or 3 on 3 for 5.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
McKenzie again, because he hears everything. This just sounds ridiculously fun.
Speaking of 3on3, NHL may consider – nothing firm yet by any means – re-formatted NHL All-Star Game that could be multi-team 3-on-3 tourney.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
We’ll continue to update as this goes along.
Update #1
Coaches’ challenge on goalie interference/offside goals – with on ice officials reviewing own work at p box monitor – coming, pending B of G
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
It’s about time…
Update #2
McKenzie has some clarification on the challenges;
If, after missed offside, puck clears offensive zone and then goal is scored subsequently, missed offside no longer subject to challenge.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2015
That definitely makes sense. If an offside play is missed there’s no reason to torch a play that didn’t depend on the blown call.
That appears to be a wrap. No news on opening the league to expansion as of now. We have three on three overtime replacing the current format. Coaches will be able to challenge offsides plays and goalie interference. Those are two pretty large changes. The NHL Board of Governors will vote on the proposals tomorrow.