Robert Thomas is right about the NHL’s dead space

Robert Thomas did not ask for a bigger net or an unending power play. He said he would like for the NHL to stop drawing a box behind the net.

In ESPN’s preseason superstar poll, the Blues center said the one rule that he would change would be the trapezoid. “I like goalies playing the puck, so I would take out the dead space in the corners,” Thomas said. “Especially with our goalies.”

The trapezoid is the restricted zone behind the goal line where goaltenders are allowed to play the puck. Play the puck outside those lines and the goalie gets slapped with a two-minute minor penalty. As the Blues’ team captain referred to it, the trapezoid creates a “dead space” on the ice that limits skilled goaltenders from using some of the natural puck-handling skills.

Evolved goalies and why the rule is outdated

In 2005, the league created the trapezoid to stop active netminder like Martin Brodeur from acting like a third defenseman and killing off entire forechecking single-handedly. Over 20 years has gone by now and hockey has changed dramatically. Today’s goalies are incredible athletes who train extensively on their stick handling. Restricting them to a small box forces them to passively watch while defensemen take heavy hits along the glass trying to retrieve deep pucks.

Thomas’ remark of “especially our goalies” is referring to the Blues’ Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer. Binnington has never shied away from leaving the paint to play the puck. Hofer has already shown a willingness to do the same, and even pot a goal himself in the AHL. Take the restriction off and St. Louis adds an potentially intriguing advantage from their goaltenders, forcing dump-in’s to be thought more carefully. This could result in extra possession time not only for Thomas, but Jimmy Snuggerud, Mason McTavish and the rest of the Blues’ offense.

Removing the restriction could instantly speed up the game for fans watching, turning the dump-and-chase plays into a chance for a fast-break counterattack.

Why dropping is a smart move

Beyond speeding up play, getting rid of the trapezoid gives fans increased drama and scoring chances. Whenever a goalie leaves their net and wanders deep into the corner to play a puck, heart rates increase in hopes that your goalie doesn’t somehow fumble the puck or make a mistake leading to a wild, open-net scramble.

The NHL is a different league in 2026 than it was in 2005. Today’s NHL is built on speed, skill, and continuous action. Stripping away the boundary of the trapezoid could help to embrace the goaltender‘s athleticism while delivering a new and exciting element for fans.