KHL approves rule changes for the 2026/2027 season

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has approved a number of changes to the rules that will take effect from the 2026/2027 season. This was announced on June 9 on the website of the league's press service.

The innovations are aimed at increasing the entertainment of matches and reducing the number of game pauses. One of the key changes will be to cancel the stoppage of play after passing the puck with his hand in his own zone, if the partner takes it to the red line on the same half of the court. When determining the zone, the places of transmission and reception of the puck will be taken into account, Sport-Express notes.

In addition, the referees will have the right to independently initiate a video review after the puck is thrown off the court. The changes will also affect the judges' work when watching controversial episodes. During the video review of the moments with the game with the stick held high or the possible imposition of a large fine, the referees will be able to assess not only the fact of the violation, but also the possible simulation on the part of the injured player.

Also, when watching episodes for the puck to cross the goal line, the referees will be able to simultaneously consider the possibility of blocking the goalkeeper. Another innovation concerns the actions of players with the puck. Hockey players will be prohibited from pinching the puck with a glove — it is allowed to affect it only with an open palm.

The interpretation of helmet loss situations has also been changed. If the player picks up the helmet that came off, puts it back on and continues to participate in the episode, no minor penalty will be awarded. The 2026/2027 KHL season starts on September 5, 2026 and ends on May 20, 2027.

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