Gary Bettman makes major NHL rule change in response to Toronto Maple Leafs

Every year the NHL makes several changes to the rules that are voted on by each individual team. This year 4 rules were approved by the NHL's Board of Governors. One rule, in particular, was in response to actions taken by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Matt Murray.

The rule in particular that is being changed on account of Matt Murray relates to inadvertently knocking off the net as a goaltender. The rule will now allow the attacking team to choose the location of the faceoff when play is stopped due to a goalie knocking the net off.

The reason that many are blaming Matt Murray for this type of rule change is he is one of the goaltenders who often had the net knocked off this season. One clip in particular has made its way around the internet from a game against the Ottawa Senators.

On the play, Matt Murray looks to intentionally run into the post with force knocking it off leading to a stoppage in play. This will now be enforced and blamed on the goaltender instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt.

As the 2024-25 NHL season begins it will be fun to see how this new rule impacts play and if Matt Murray and other goalies will have to change their mindset and playstyle when it comes to knocking into the net.

Source: Markerzone
Bettman makes major rule change in response to Toronto Maple Leafs' misconduct