GMs consider ‘futuristic’ concepts
No blocking shots and fewer face-off dots among the new ideas
BOCA RATON, Fla. — The ideas were a little weird and wacky, but that was the point.
On the first day of their annual meetings, the NHL’s 31 general managers were tasked with thinking up ideas for the league for 5-10 years down the road.
These weren’t discussions about near-term realities like last year when expansion was being debated and slimmer goaltending equipment chatter was making the rounds.
This was about thinking outside the box.
One such idea would see the two faceoff circles in each zone removed for one in the slot area — or right near the front of the net.
“I thought it was a really cool idea,” said Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving.
Some resisted the concept, which would eliminate postfaceoff puck battles around the boards in favour of those around the front of the net.
That would, in theory, boost scoring, an area of concern for the NHL.
Another change contemplated with the goal of increasing offence was a rule preventing shot-blocking. Almost 17,000 shots were blocked last season, led by the Philadelphia Flyers, who turned aside nearly 700.
“We always talk about creating rules to create offence, create offence,” said Treliving. “We give it to our coaches and 10 minutes later they’ve figured out a way to kill that idea. But if you find a way to limit defence and instead of giving them tools for the toolbox, take a few out. We spent a lot of time on that today.”
A shift of point system was also discussed, one that would see clubs awarded three points for a regulation win, two points for an overtime or shootout win and one point for an overtime or shootout loss. The concept would push teams to end games before they get past regulation and beyond that, before a shootout. “I’m not one who is personally in favour of three-point games,” Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello said. “But I’m also not in favour of getting a point if you don’t win. I’d rather see the game be 2-and-0 or end up in a tie 1-and-1. Just end up in a tie the way it used to be.”