What happened: NHL general managers discussed expanding video-assisted review to establish direct communication with on-ice referees, according to league executive Colin Campbell. The proposed system would permit officials to quickly amend misidentified infractions, including friendly-fire high-sticking penalties. Reception to the proposal among general managers during Tuesday's meeting was reportedly warm.

Why it matters: The change would address recurring officiating disputes where teammates accidentally clip one another, leading to erroneous power plays that current replay rules cannot reverse. Granting off-ice review officials direct access to referees would modernize NHL replay procedures without adding prolonged delays to game flow.

What to watch: The league is expected to continue developing the review protocols ahead of a potential formal vote at the general managers' meetings in March.