Breaking: Upcoming GM meetings could lead to major rule changes in the NHL.

If you're one of those NHL fans that has been groaning about the shoot out the last few years this news will be music to your ears. According to a recent report from TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger the focus of the upcoming GM meetings will revolve around lowering the number of games that actually make it to the glorified skills competition.

“I’m sure commissioner Bettman won’t like when I say this, but the reality is they (NHL GMs) need to curb it, but they don’t want to kill it,” said Dreger regarding the meetings.

They will be looking at the system in the AHL this season which uses 7 minutes of four on four hockey, follow by three on three for the remainder of overtime.  The system has worked to curb the amount of games that actually make it to the shoot out, only 33% of games that needed overtime have gone past the overtime frame. While there would likely be issues with the NHLPA if they did intend to implement a four on four or three on three system it seems like reducing the number of shoot outs has become a top priority for the NHL.