NHL changes protocol rules

On Tuesday, it was reported that the NHL and its Players Association had engaged in talks about allowing asymptomatic players to return to play earlier. “The two sides have been in constant communication about protocols, but latest push follows new CDC recommendation shortening isolation periods. NBA has made similar adjustment,” reported ESPN’s Emily Kaplan on Tuesday.

It seems like both parties have agreed and that the league has officially shortened isolation period to 5 days with a negative test - IF allowed by local health authorities.

This is the  memo distributed to teams today which was obtained, per Daily Face Off. Here is a look at the updated protocol:

On Monday, the NHL postponed three more games because of COVID-19 concerns, bringing the total to 70 this season. The game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Wednesday and the home-and-home between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday and Friday were the latest impacted by COVID-19.

Of the 70 games postponed, one has been made up (the Ottawa Senators defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in the shootout Dec. 6 in a game initially scheduled for Nov. 16) and one has been rescheduled (the New York Rangers will host the New York Islanders on March 17 in a game initially scheduled for Nov. 28).

Some teams, especially in Canada, might have to follow national guidelines. For example, the Vancouver Canucks will reportedly follow BC guidelines, which now allow for just a seven-day isolation for fully vaxxed, symptomatic caseswhich now allow for just a seven-day isolation for fully vaxxed, symptomatic cases.

This is expected to help with the ongoing rescheduling issues the league is facing, though we wonder how players will react to the changes.