The NHL is responding to an incident involving a linesman and a Winnipeg Jets player by introducing a new rule.
In a recent game between the Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets, a linesman was accidentally cut by a player's skate while the player was sitting on the boards waiting for a line change. In light of this incident, the league is taking immediate action.
According to the new rule changes from The Athletic NHL New Rule Changes, players will no longer be allowed to sit on the boards while waiting for a line change. Initially, teams will receive a warning, but referees will then be instructed to enforce a penalty if players continue to sit on the boards. The NHL believes that allowing players to sit on the boards poses both safety concerns and goes against the spirit of good hockey.
Effective immediately, players can't sit on boards awaiting line changes. A team will get warning first, then refs will be instructed to apply penalty that's already in rulebook. NHL feels it's not good hockey + dangerous. Linesman was cut by skate in Wild-WPG game by a Jet
While sitting on the boards may seem like a small advantage, the NHL deems it unacceptable following the recent incident. This change may affect players' ability to make quick changes, but considering the risks of players being cut by skates in recent years, protecting officials is a priority.
Overall, this adjustment is seen as a necessary and worthwhile measure to enhance safety in the game.
