NHL introduces change to offside rule
One of the NHL's most contentious rules will be slightly different moving forward.
While the league announced its critical dates and health and safety protocols for the upcoming season, it also revealed there will be a change to the offside rule.
Beginning in 2020-21, a player's skate will not need to be in contact with the blue line in order to be onside.
"A player is onside when either of his skates are in contact with the blue line, or on his own side of the line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the leading edge of the blue line," the NHLPA said.
It continues, "If a player's skate has yet to break the 'plane' prior to the puck crossing the leading edge, he is deemed to be onside for the purpose of the offside rule."
UPDATE TO @NHL RULE 83.1 (OFF-SIDE): Beginning in the 2020-21 regular season, a player's skate will not have to be in contact with the blue line in order to be on-side.
- NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 22, 2020
Updated language: https://t.co/gp5npRIw9k pic.twitter.com/pT6YmA6qP5
The offside rule has faced scrutiny over the past several years, especially with the recent introduction of coaching challenges and advanced video reviews.
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