NHL GMs Explore Technology to Aid On-Ice Officials
General managers discussed tools including an earpiece, AI, and expanded replay review at their annual fall meeting in Toronto.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Hockey
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Should the NHL use more technology to help referees make calls?
NHL general managers met in Toronto on Tuesday for their annual fall meeting and discussed ways to use technology to assist on-ice officials. The league's situation room currently assists only with certain penalty calls and can decide whether the puck fully crossed the goal line.
Why it matters
Expanding officiating technology could change how close calls are reviewed during games. Rule changes approved at the spring GMs meeting in South Florida could take effect as soon as next season.
The current situation room can assist only with certain penalty calls and whether the puck was fully over the goal line. Options on the table include an earpiece system, AI tools, and expanded technology use, but no final design or cost has been disclosed.
The players
Colin Campbell
Senior executive vice president of hockey operations for the NHL, who alluded to an NFL-style replay assist system.
Gary Bettman
Commissioner of the National Hockey League, who said technology options including an earpiece and AI are under consideration.
The details
Senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell alluded to a possible version of replay assist used in the NFL. Commissioner Gary Bettman said that technology options including an earpiece, AI, and increased technology use are on the table for officials.
Timeline
Tuesday (November 10, 2026): GMs discuss officiating technology at the fall meeting in Toronto.
Spring 2027: GMs meet in South Florida to approve rule changes.
Next season: Earliest possible effective date for approved rule changes.
The Tech Race
The NHL is weighing an NFL-style replay assist, following the NFL's own replay assist system that lets officials on the field consult a booth. The discussion positions hockey to adopt officiating technology that other major North American leagues have already tested or used.
Any approved replay or assist technology would change how close goal and penalty calls are confirmed during games. Fans and fantasy players should watch the spring 2027 rule decisions for changes affecting game flow and review timing.
The takeaway
Officiating technology is moving from simple goal-line checks toward broader assistance that could change how hockey games are reviewed. Readers following the sport should track the spring rule decisions, since they will set what changes arrive next season.
What happens next
The spring GMs meeting in South Florida in 2027 is scheduled to consider approving rule changes that could take effect next season.
Further reading
Explore more Hockey coverage for context on how the league's rules and officiating evolve.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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Should the NHL use more technology to help referees make calls?
