NHL GMs discuss ways technology could assist officials at annual fall meeting

TORONTO (AP) — NHL general managers discussed ways to use technology and other means to help on-ice officials, among other topics, on Tuesday at their annual fall meeting that follows Hockey Hall of Fame weekend. Senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell alluded to the possibility of some version of replay assist like it is used in the NFL. “People shouldn’t think that how we view officiating is stagnant,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “We’re just looking and going to look at things to enhance it. Nothing specific: Things will be tested. Whether or not it’s an earpiece, whether or not we can use AI in the future, whether or not it’s increased use of technology — everything on an ongoing basis is on the table.” The league’s situation room can currently only assist with certain penalty calls and decide whether the puck was fully over the goal line. Any rule changes that get approved at the spring GMs meeting in South Florida could only go into effect as soon as next season. “It’s not one thing we’re working on,” Bettman said. “It’s what do we talk about? How do we continue to evolve and make it even more consistent and even better? Because the game and our fans and our players and our teams are owed that.” See AP’s full NHL coverage here