NHL GMs set to implement new rules regarding head shots

In the morning of the third day of general managers meetings in Boca Raton, Florida, the league's GMs agreed unanimously on the implementation of a new rule to curb head shots, according to CBC.ca.

The language of the rule reads as follows:

"A lateral, back pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and or the principal point of contact is not permitted.

A violation of the above will result in a minor or major penalty and shall be reviewed for possible supplemental discipline."

Essentially this implies that a blindside hit in which the head is specifically targetted will result in a penalty, and the severity of the penalty (minor or major) will be at the referee's discretion.

Implementation of the rule is still in the preliminary stages. Although the language has been passed and agreed upon by the general managers, the new legislation must now be sent to the NHL and NHLPA competition committee and then to the NHL board of governors before it is passed.

The compeition committee, which includes four players, will hold its next meeting later this summer. Eight general managers, including Toronto's Brian Burke, worked together to develop and present the framework for the new rule.