NHL Network Analyst Proposes Massive Rule Changes

The NHL is an ever evolving game. Each year rules are updated, added, or removed. Along this line one NHL analyst had a slew of new rule changes he would like to see.

Johnson Proposes Rule Changes

NHL Network analyst and NHL insider Mike Johnson had some passionate thoughts on some current NHL rules. He had several suggestions for ways to change or improve current rules and their enforcement.

The first rule he approached was the hand pass.



This rule change would see the hand pass be allowed. Currently, it is allowed on defense but not elsewhere. Johnson argues that if it's allowed in the defensive zone it should be allowed in all areas.

Next Johnson talked about goals being kicked in or going off a player's skate.


In conjunction with this rule he also believers the same should be the case for goals with a high stick.


With these rules scoring would likely go up. However, the game would also become more dangerous in the process. The risk for injuries from skates and sticks would likely go up significantly.

Will The NHL Make These Changes?

While the changes regarding a high stick or skate goal are likely staying due to safety some others could be changed. Even with Johnson's updated penalty rules to help with the injuries obtained it likely isn't enough.

When it comes to the hand pass this could be a rule that realistically be changed. The NHL already allows it in one area of the ice. There isn't that many occurrences where this would even be used. On top of that it could lead to more offensive chances and ways to keep possession.

While we are not likely to see any of these changes in the near future it certainly creates discussion.

As Read On - Hockey Feed - Former NHLer Mike Johnson proposes some big rule changes.