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GM Meetings signal interesting changes to OT, introduce coach's challenge

Hate the penalty for delay of game? Welp, a new wrinkle has been introduced that might make it all the more controversial.

By Cheryl Bradley
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Apparently, John Bill Daly likes to titillate reporters. He walked by them and said in his most sultry voice, "A lot to report today." Okay, so maybe it wasn't sultry, but given the tease behind it, it might as well have been. So far, here is what we know:

The NHL has agreed to instituting a 3-on-3 overtime which will either feature the current system used by the AHL (4-on-4 until the first whistle following three minutes of play; 3-on-3 for the duration of the overtime period.) or five minutes of 3-on-3, foregoing 4-on-4 altogether. The NHL's preference is the AHL model, but the NHLPA has to weigh in on the matter. In fact, the players association can veto the entire concept if they so choose. However, that's unlikely as it seems the players tend to like the idea.

The GMs have recommended that the NHL allow coaches to challenge goalie interference calls. According to Nick Costonika (via Twitter), the "coach's challenge for goalie interference would be only if the puck is in—only goal or no goal. Referees make final call." If the challenge is not successful, the team making the challenge loses a time out. If the team has already used its timeout, the coach cannot challenge the call. In overtime, it's all on Hockey Ops in Toronto. The decision will be made by the refs, but hockey ops will consult with them on the decision.

Another coach's challenge on the floor is the delay-of-game penalty for pucks going over the glass. A successful challenge would remove the penalty for it, but an unsuccessful one would result in a lost time out with the penalty remaining in tact. No word on where the face off would take place if the challenge is successful. The ruling on this will be made by Toronto.

The Competition Committee of the NHLPA and the Board of Governors need to approve the new rules on coach's challenges before they can go into effect. If approved, it will begin next season (2015-2016). No word yet on when the new OT rules would go into effect, but that would most likely be next season as well.

Gary Bettman said that the cap is projected to be between $71-72 million next year.

More updates as they come in...