We've seen a number of rule changes throughout the past few seasons. At times, they've come and gone (players can't enter crease, removing the red line, etc.), while on other occasions they've simply stuck (offensive-zone faceoffs following a penalty, goalie trapezoid, etc.).
Of course, there are also instances where rule changes can alter a team's season as well (think Buffalo and delay of game for shooting puck over the glass). So with that in mind, the NHL officials try and test out a few ideas before they implement them into the game.
According to this post on SBN's NHL Hub, here is a breakdown of what rules will be challenged/introduced during a two-day camp in Toronto. Full list after the jump.
Wednesday, Aug. 17
10:00 a.m - Noon
- No-touch icing
- No line change for team committing an offside
- Faceoff variations (penalty line for center committing an infraction; all faceoffs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all faceoffs)
- No icing permitted while shorthanded
- Verification line (additional line behind the goal line)
- Overtime variation (four minutes of 4-on-4 followed by three minutes of 3-on-3)
- Shootout variation (5-man shootout precedes sudden-death format)
- Shallow-back nets
2:30 p.m to 4:30 p.m.
- After offside, faceoff goes back to offending team's end
- Faceoff variations (both centers must come set on whistle; all faceoffs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all face-offs)
- Delayed penalty variation (offending team must exit zone in possession of puck to stop play)
- Changes only permitted on-the-fly (except after goals and upon manpower changes)
- Strict enforcement of goaltenders covering puck outside crease (Rule 63.2)
- Remove trapezoid
- Verification line
- Allow hand passes in all zones
- Overtime variation (switch ends)
- Shootout variation (5-man shootout with repeat players if tied after 5 shooters)
- Thin-netting nets
Thursday, Aug. 18
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- 'Hybrid' icing
- Offside variation (offending team can't change and faceoff in its end zone)
- Faceoff variations (player encroaching can't replace thrown-out center, all faceoffs in circles; same linesman drops puck for all faceoffs)
- All penalties to be served in their entirety
- Strict enforcement of goaltenders covering puck outside crease (rule 63.2)
- Bear-hug rule
- Verification line
- Overtime variation (switch ends for four minutes of 4-on-4, followed by three minutes of 3-on-3)
- Shootout variation (3-man shoot out with repeat shooters if tied after 3 shooters)
- Shallow-back nets
1:30pm to 3:30pm
- All-Star Skills competition (fastest skater, breakaway challenge, accuracy shooting, skills relay challenge, hardest shot, elimination shootout)
Other technology/modifications to be tested during various sessions:
- On-ice officials communication -- ref-to-ref wireless
- Overhead camera -- to assist Hockey Operations reviews of various initiatives (verification line/goal netting/in-net camera)
- In-net camera -- mounted camera at one end with one net with camera view focused on the goal line to help verify goals
- Robotic camera -- to test camera angles for coverage closer to ice
- Video replay application review
- Curved glass -- protection options at players bench areas