The National Hockey League is typically slow to make any real changes to its game. NHL rule changes are usually so minor they hardly make headlines. It’s time to change that and make hockey as exciting as possible.
NHL rule changes typically come by tinkering with a rule that is already in play. They usually don’t make sweeping changes to drastically affect the game on the ice. The league’s general managers meet twice each year to discuss potential rule changes, but the results are usually minor.
It’s time the game takes a step back and looks at making major changes to its rules. Just because a rule has been around forever doesn’t mean it makes sense in 2019. It’s time to really open up the rule book and ask if every one of these rules is necessary or makes sense as it is currently implemented.
There are some rules with so much grey area that it guarantees one fan base is going to feel their team got screwed when it is called. There are some rules that just slow the pace of play and kill the excitement of the game. There are some rules that just don’t make sense to use anymore.
Keep in mind, all of these rule change proposals are designed to make the game as exciting on and off the ice as possible for fans. That means I want games that showcase players skill. Fast games where talented players have the ability to show off their abilities. More goals. Games that don’t take close to three hours. Also, lots of player movement that gives fans plenty of trade rumors and free agent talk to speculate on.
Let’s take a look at the ten NHL rule changes that if put in place would make the game of hockey as exciting as it has ever been. And no, I’m not about to propose minor tweaks that you would barely notice when the puck dropped next season.