NHL Changing League Wide COVID Protocols

Shane Seney Tuesday, January 18, 2022 NHL

The NHL is making changes to their COVID protocols as Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff was first to report on Tuesday. The new guidelines go into effect after the All-Star game in early February, including adjustment to the required testing policies.

The league will stop testing asymptomatic players and staff members for COVID. Of course, the NHL needs to see a decline in daily cases over the next couple of weeks, but it sounds like their planning for some positive steps which is a great sign.

In addition, participants going to All-Star weekend (and their families) will be tested once prior to travel but will not be tested in Vegas unless they develop symptoms or require a test to cross the border back home to Canada.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 18, 2022

#NHL told teams today that 73% of the league’s rosters have tested positive this season and approximately 60% have tested positive in the last five weeks.

Current protocol remains in place until Feb. 3.

NHL and NHLPA must meet and review reported protocol changes on Jan. 31
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 18, 2022

Back in December the implementation of daily testing took place as the Omicron variant ripped through the league at a rapid pace and the scheduling nightmare begun. With the lowered isolation period in place now as well, it feels like while the season may get pushed back 7-10 days, it's not going to be in jeopardy.

Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi is the NHL's only un-vaccinated player against COVID-19.

Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Go get vaccinated, go get vaccinated pic.twitter.com/9blIqp5lD2
— garrett (@hohendorf) December 19, 2021

Tyler Bertuzzi has 23 goals in his last 40 games over the last 2 seasons, that's a 48 goal pace over an 82 game schedule. #LGRW
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 16, 2022