NHL's competition committee to recommend changes to head hitting rule

BOSTON - The NHL's competition committee will recommend changes to Rule 48 for next season.

It's the next step in the process of broadening the rule.

Lawyers were still working out the specific language of the changes that still need to be approved by the board of governors on June 21.

It's expected the change will see referees able to hand out a minor or major penalty for any hit on a defenceless player where the head is targeted.

Previously, the rule only covered hits that came from the blindside.

The competition committee is comprised five players, four general managers and Flyers owner Ed Snider.