NHL to study using quick replays to correct penalty calls

The NHL will explore whether quick video replays could help officials correct some penalty calls. Colin Campbell, the league’s senior executive vice president of hockey operations, raised the idea at Tuesday’s general managers meeting in Toronto and told Sportsnet the league would study it over the coming months.

One example came on Oct. 21, when Buffalo Sabres defenceman Owen Power received a two-minute high-sticking penalty against the Philadelphia Flyers. Philadelphia’s Trevor Zegras had caught teammate Matvei Michkov with his stick. The officials conferred, but they could not use video to review that minor penalty.

Campbell said the general managers were receptive. Sportsnet and Daily Faceoff reported that a vote could come in March, with any change taking effect for the 2027–28 season at the earliest. Daily Faceoff reported that a rule change would also need approval from the NHL Players’ Association.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league would test ways to help officials communicate and get information faster. He cited earpieces as one possibility.