NHL adds ‘Krug Rule’ to 2019-20 rulebook
Hope you enjoyed Bruins d-man Torey Krug’s hit on Robert Thomas when it happened, ’cause the NHL certainly didn’t, and has made a change to the rulebook.
Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins checks Robert Thomas #18 of the St. Louis Blues during the third period in Game 1 of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on May 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins checks Robert Thomas #18 of the St. Louis Blues during the third period in Game 1 of the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on May 27, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com
Hopefully you enjoyed Bruins defenseman Torey Krug's hit on the Blues' Robert Thomas when it happened, as the National Hockey League has effectively eliminated future hits like it thanks to a new rule change announced on Thursday.
Subject to further consultation with the NHL Players’ Association on precise language, a Player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play must (a) exit the playing surface, or (b) retrieve and replace his helmet properly on his head (with or without his chin strap fastened). A Player who is making a play on the puck or who is in position to make an immediate play on the puck at the time his helmet comes off, shall be given a reasonable opportunity to complete the play before either exiting the ice or retrieving and replacing his helmet. Failure to comply with the above will result in a minor penalty being assessed on the offending player. A Player who intentionally removes an opponent’s helmet during play shall be assessed a minor penalty for roughing.
In other words, they're not going to let players go end-to-end without a helmet, even if it's to capture one of the best photos in recent memory and earn Krug a place in highlight packages for years to come.
The 'Krug Rule' is just one of several tweaks the league has made ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Other additions to the rulebook include expanded coach's challenge options (and penalties for unsuccessful challenges), as well as reviews on major/match penalties and double-minor high-sticking penalties.
Ty AndersonEditor
Ty Anderson is 98.5 The Sports Hub’s friendly neighborhood straight-edge kid. Ty has been covering the Bruins (and other Boston teams) since 2010, has been a member of the PHWA since 2013, and went left to right across your radio dial and joined The Sports Hub in 2018. Ty also writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox.
