Training camp kicked off this week, and while most of Bruins Nation is focused on which prospects might make the Boston roster and whether GM Don Sweeney will secure a new contract with restricted free agent Jeremy Swayman before the Dec. 1 deadline, the NHL introduced several new rules and updates to existing ones.
With the Bruins’ first preseason game set for Sunday, it will offer the first look at some of the NHL’s rule changes for the 2024-25 season. The general managers proposed these changes back in March, but they needed final approval from the NHL’s competition committee and the Board of Governors.
The NHL season officially begins on Oct. 8, with the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers hosting the Bruins. Ahead of the season, the NHL’s Public Relations team released a video outlining the rule changes.
One of the biggest updates involves an expansion of Rule 38, the Coach’s Challenge. Coaches can now challenge whether a puck deflected off a player, the glass, or the boards to nullify a delay of game penalty for a puck out of play. However, if the challenge is unsuccessful, the team receives an additional minor penalty.
Another tweak is to Rule 63.8 regarding a dislodged net. The new version closes a loophole by preventing defensive teams from making a line change if a goaltender accidentally knocks the net off its moorings.
Additionally, a change to faceoff procedures after an icing call gives both the offensive and defensive centers a warning for a violation, rather than immediately removing the offensive center from the faceoff circle. A second violation results in a bench minor penalty.
A new rule also prohibits players from having their skates hang over the ice while sitting on the bench boards during play, following a linesman’s injury last season. Teams will receive one warning before being penalized.
The final rule change allows for a brief warm-up period for a replacement goalie when a starting goalie is removed for mandatory medical evaluation, though no specific time limit was set.
The Bruins may see these rule changes in action during their preseason game against the New York Rangers on Sunday night at TD Garden, with faceoff at 5 p.m. ET on NESN.
