NHL exploring tweaking 3-on-3 overtime rules

NHL general managers have discussed changing the current three-on-three overtime rules to prevent teams from continuously exiting the offensive zone in order to retain possession, league executive Colin Campbell told TSN.

Potential solutions include a shot clock or not allowing teams to cross back over the blue or red line after entering the attacking zone.

"We haven't got to whether (overtime) should be longer or whether we should get rid of the shootout," Campbell said. "We don't mind the format. The one thing we don't like, the one thing that teams have done on their own, players have done on their own, is decided that possession is key. You get those boot-back, kick-backs all the time. Sometimes overtimes get going, but until then, sometimes they don't want to give the puck up from opening faceoff."

He added: "What is the answer? We don't want more whistles. We don't want more faceoffs."

Changes aren't imminent and will be tabled until GMs convene for their annual meetings in March.

The NHL introduced five minutes of three-on-three overtime prior to the 2015-16 season in an effort to cut down on shootouts.

Players and coaches have voiced support for longer three-on-three sessions in the past. The ECHL implemented seven-minute overtime periods in 2019-20.

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