The history of roster sizes

mrhockey193195

Registered User
Nov 14, 2006
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Denver, CO
I've searched a decent amount on this, but haven't been able to find any concrete answers. Since many of you guys have access to incredible resources, and many of you guys are incredible resources yourselves, I figured I'd ask here and give it a shot.

Obviously, in the NHL today the roster that each team is allowed to dress for any given game consists of 18 skaters and 2 goalies, and teams are allowed to carry 23 players total on their active roster. However, this wasn't always the case as back in the day teams had much smaller rosters and were allowed to dress fewer players. Does anyone have a timeline or some information about the evolution of the NHL rulebook and what roster sizes were allowed at different points in the NHL's history? For how long has the "dress 18 skaters and 2 goalies" rule been in effect?

Any information on this topic would be greatly appreciated!
 

JSmith81x

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Dec 20, 2002
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1925-26 - Teams to dress a maximum of 12 players for each game from a roster of no more than 14 players.

1928-29 - Exclusive of goaltenders, team to dress at least 8 and no more than 12 skaters.

1938-39 - Maximum number of players in uniform increased from 14 to 15.

1942-43 - Player limit reduced from 15 to 14. Minimum of 12 men in uniform abolished.

1949-50 - Clubs allowed to dress 17 players exclusive of goaltenders.

1951-52 - Number of players in uniform reduced to 15 plus goaltenders.

1952-53 - Teams permitted to dress 15 skaters on the road and 16 at home.

1952-53 - Teams permitted to dress 15 skaters on the road and 16 at home.

1954-55 - Number of players in uniform set at 18 plus goaltenders up to December 1 and 16 plus goaltenders thereafter.

1960-61 - Number of players in uniform set at 16 plus goaltenders.

1965-66 - Teams required to dress two goaltenders for each regular-season game.

1971-72 - Number of players in uniform set at 17 plus 2 Goaltenders.

1982-83 - Number of players in uniform set at 18 plus 2 goaltenders.


http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/hockey/nhlhistory/nhlrules.html
 
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mrhockey193195

Registered User
Nov 14, 2006
6,522
2,014
Denver, CO
1925-26 - Teams to dress a maximum of 12 players for each game from a roster of no more than 14 players.

1928-29 - Exclusive of goaltenders, team to dress at least 8 and no more than 12 skaters.

1938-39 - Maximum number of players in uniform increased from 14 to 15.

1942-43 - Player limit reduced from 15 to 14. Minimum of 12 men in uniform abolished.

1949-50 - Clubs allowed to dress 17 players exclusive of goaltenders.

1951-52 - Number of players in uniform reduced to 15 plus goaltenders.

1952-53 - Teams permitted to dress 15 skaters on the road and 16 at home.

1952-53 - Teams permitted to dress 15 skaters on the road and 16 at home.

1954-55 - Number of players in uniform set at 18 plus goaltenders up to December 1 and 16 plus goaltenders thereafter.

1960-61 - Number of players in uniform set at 16 plus goaltenders.

1965-66 - Teams required to dress two goaltenders for each regular-season game.

1971-72 - Number of players in uniform set at 17 plus 2 Goaltenders.

1982-83 - Number of players in uniform set at 18 plus 2 goaltenders.


http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/hockey/nhlhistory/nhlrules.html

Thanks a lot!
 

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