"Eliminate the shoot out" "Delayed Penalty": Hockey fans left debating over that one NHL rule that they could change

The NHL preseason is near and fans are discussing potential rule changes. The preseason will start on Sept. 21 after which the NHL 2024-25 season will commence. There's excitement in the league after seeing teams rebuild in the offseason.

The Stanley Cup finalist from last season, the Edmonton Oilers, are expected to perform with much control this year. Other teams like the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils are expected to be contenders while many believe that the Chicago Blackhawks will perform better in Connor Bedard's sophomore season.

Considering the excitement among fans, Sportsnet asked on X:

"If you could change one NHL rule, what would it be?"

Fans quickly responded with ideas in the comments section.

"Completely eliminate the shootout." One fan suggested.

"Delayed Penalty: When a delayed penalty is being called against team A, while the puck is in team A's defensive zone, team A can only cause a stoppage of play by the goalie covering puck or team A clearing the puck out of defensive zone. No easy whistle only touching the puck." another fan wrote.

"In the 3 vs. 3 OT, when the puck is over the blue line, you can't take it back out and regroup." a fan mentioned.

Here are some more fan reactions on X:

"If there's a fight both players are kicked out of the game & there's a 5+ minute penalty for both teams so 4 on 4 for 5 minutes & those who fought must serve the penalty then leave the game." a fan said.

"Every year before the actual draft there's a white elephant draft. It's televised. Every GM brings one NHL level roster contract to the event. Standard draft order. A pic can only be stolen three times. One round. Let the insanity ensue." another wrote.

"Kill the Marty rule. Goalies should be able to play the puck. No trapezoids." a fan said.

The opening games for NHL 2024-25 season

The 2024-25 NHL season will start in Europe on Oct. 4 with the Buffalo Sabres vs. the New Jersey Devils in O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic.

In North America, the season kicks off on Oct. 8 with a tripleheader on ESPN. The Florida Panthers will raise their first Stanley Cup banner before playing the Boston Bruins.

Other games that day include the St. Louis Blues vs. the Seattle Kraken at 4:30 p.m. ET and the Chicago Blackhawks vs. the Utah Hockey Club at 10 p.m. ET.