Written Option 2:

I'd bring over a bunch of Blood Bowl inspired elements.

An event trigger is rolled every Face-off that affects play until the next whistle. For example, "Home team fans are throwing things on the ice in rage, all skaters max speed reduced." Or "The refs have been bribed! The away team goal is now slightly larger."
Injuries are now a thing and they're making up for lost time. Injured players remain on the ice until a stoppage is called and can be further injured by the opponents body slamming them. This could result in a penalty.
Injuries can now be career ending. That prospect you just made you have big plans for? Guess you'll have to reroll another. Might be bad luck to name them Jr.
Glass is removed from the boards allowing players to be hit into the stands. The fans angered by the trespasser will attack the player, potentially resulting in an injury.
TPE is now awarded through in-game events. Score a goal? TPE. Get an Assist? Get TPE. Injure another player? Get TPE.
The refs can now be bribed. No longer do we pretend the refs aren't biased. We now embrace the all mighty dollar.

These changes would make the league much more lively.