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.”
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San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky speaks with referee Riley Brace (49) after a play against the New York Islanders during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Thien-An Truong)
Seattle Kraken right wing Jordan Eberle (7) reacts to the referee during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Calgary Flames, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Kevin Ng)
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Incidents that were “more than online death threats” cemented Connor Hellebuyck’s decision to ask for a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, he said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters there for the first time since being dealt to New Jersey on Oct. 23, the goaltender said his family experienced “a few moments that I don’t want to see happen again.” He added he wanted to keep the details of the incidents private.
“There was some moments and some things that happened to my family that, for me, crossed the line and as a husband and a father, I felt made that decision very certain," Hellebuyck said. "I needed to be a good husband and a good father and do what’s best for my family and my career.”
Hellebuyck backstopped the U.S. to men’s hockey gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February. In the aftermath, he attended a White House reception honoring the team, drawing criticism in Canada.
Asked if the fallout played a role in the backlash, Hellebuyck said: "I’m sure it did a little bit. I don’t think it matters if it’s fair or not."
“Those are accomplishments that I will never apologize for, and I will never speak negatively about,” the 33-year-old from Michigan said of his Olympic success. “I know the sensitivity about what’s going on between the U.S. and Canada, and I’ve never gotten into politics deep with anyone because I’m a hockey player.”
Hellebuyck said he still has a “strong emotional connection” to Winnipeg, and he doesn’t want what happened to reflect on the city as a whole.
“I grew up here," he said. “I made a lot of connections here. I don’t want anyone to think I don’t love it here.”
Hellebuyck said he was being honest about wanting to play for the Jets for his entire career when he signed a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension in October 2023. But he said a lot has changed since then, from his family’s comfort in Winnipeg to the team’s competitiveness.
“To the people who feel that I’ve been disloyal, well, there’s also a lot that I was not expecting to happen go on throughout this contract,” he said.
The Devils said Sunday night that Hellebuyck would not play against his former team on Tuesday night, citing a decline in their expected win probability. Hellebuyck has won all five starts he has made since the trade and said he spoke with coach Sheldon Keefe and general manager Sunny Mehta about the situation.
“I’m 14 days into a new team, and they handle their business differently than I’m used to,” Hellebuyck said. “When I went in there and said my piece and said I felt it was my duty to play this game and said ‘I want to play,’ I had a good conversation with (Keefe and Mehta), and I left that conversation understanding where they’re at.”
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New Jersey Devil's goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the warmup before their NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devil's goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the warmup before their NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devil's goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the warmup before their NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck talks to the media after a morning skate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck takes a break during a morning skate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck talks to the media after a morning skate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck looks on during a morning skate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck talks to the media after a morning skate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)
New Jersey Devils goaltender Connor Hellebuyck makes a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Vegas Golden Knights, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
