Goaltender Interference: “We Just Want to Know the Rule” - NHL Execs Seek Clarity

Andrei Svechnikov (L) #37 of the Carolina Hurricanes shoots the puck wide of the net behind goalie Kevin Lankinen #32 of the Vancouver Canucks (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)

Goaltender interference is an ongoing issue in the NHL, sparking frustration and calls for clearer rules among players, coaches, and executives. The need for consistency in these rulings is as strong as ever, especially after the recent controversy involving Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel, who scored a goal against the Winnipeg Jets while Conor Geekie battled in the crease. While many in the hockey community believed it to be interference, the officials upheld the goal, adding fuel to the debate.

According to one NHL executive, this topic will be addressed at an upcoming one-day NHL general managers’ meeting. The goal? To gain a better understanding of the current standard and receive clarification on how goaltender interference is ruled.

"I think we'll just get some clarification," the anonymous NHL executive told RG. "Guys usually ask; we just want to know the rule to tell our video coaches what to expect. Everyone's human. There are mistakes. We would just like a clarification on the rule."

The Confusion Around Goaltender Interference

This latest debate over goaltender interference began when officials allowed Hagel's goal to stand. As Geekie fought for the loose puck in the crease, he collided with Winnipeg’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. Many, including Hellebuyck himself, felt it was a clear case of interference.

"That was clearly goalie interference," Hellebuyck commented postgame. "Everyone that I know knows it. I think the majority of the people in the hockey world know that was goalie interference. The only guys who didn't think so were the ones in charge of making the call, which is unfortunate."

Dave Jackson, an NHL rules expert, provided additional context on the play. According to Jackson, players have the right to go after a loose puck in the crease, which can lead to incidental contact with the goaltender. In his view, interference is not always black and white, especially when players are actively pursuing the puck.

"The puck is loose, and [a player] can make incidental contact with the goaltender if he's trying to get the puck," Jackson explained to RG. "It's not just the goalie's puck if it's loose. To me, that’s a good goal."

The decision to allow Hagel’s goal highlights the tricky nature of these calls and underscores the ongoing need for consistent rulings. Jackson noted that the NHL Situation Room—staffed by former officials—is there to assist on-ice referees but not necessarily to overturn close calls unless there’s strong evidence of an error.

Striving for Consistency in Goaltender Interference Calls

Executives, players, and coaches hope that upcoming discussions will yield clarity on goaltender interference, making it easier for teams to know when to challenge calls and what constitutes interference.  

While the NHL Situation Room provides guidance, the judgment of on-ice officials remains paramount, as they make real-time calls based on the game’s flow.  

For now, the question remains: how should officials interpret interference in the crease? Dave Jackson suggests one rule of thumb to help guide these decisions.

Ultimately, until a more unified standard is agreed upon, goaltender interference calls will remain a source of frustration. Hockey fans and insiders alike are eager for clearer answers so that players like Hellebuyck and their teams know what to expect—and can focus on the game, not the rulebook.