Players who violate NHL’s “bubble” rules will face still penalties

Over the weekend the NHL released more details of Phase 3 and Phase 4 of its Return to Play protocol and, specifically, the league announced its penalties for any player who ignores the rules in place.

We already know that the NHL will be creating a “bubble” for players as to limit their interaction with the public. Players who violate that bubble will face still penalties including fines and suspensions. As for their parent clubs, they could lose out on draft picks, as well.

From Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman yesterday:

Return to Play Stage 4 states, “Individuals leaving…without permission may be subject to consequences up to and including removal.” In addition, “violations…will result in, for clubs, significant penalties, potentially including fines and/or loss of draft choices.”

Stage 3: All players will have to undergo a Pre-Participation Medical Examination. Players who, after consultation with the doctor who conducted it, and the club’s infectious disease expert, “are determined to be at substantial risk of developing a serious illness as a result of exposure to the novel coronavirus shall be deemed to be unfit to play and shall not be permitted to participate either in Phase 3 or Phase 4.” A Player may ask for a Second Opinion on that issue. 

Additionally, any player who contracts COVID-19 while within the bubble will be treated as any other player with a hockey related injury would be treated. But if that player contracts COVID-19 as a result of activity OUTSIDE of their bubble, (ie going to the club or hanging out with friends) will effectively be on their own.

Again from Friedman:

In the event a Player is diagnosed with a confirmed positive finding for COVID-19 (or has a resulting and/or related illness)…the Player shall be deemed to have sustained an illness arising out of the course of his employment as a hockey player for such period as he may be removed from training, practice or play, and his condition shall be treated as a hockey related injury for all purposes under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, unless it is established, based on the facts at issue, that the Player contracted COVID-19 (or the resulting or related illness) outside the course of his employment as a hockey player.”

In other words: Don't f*** around, guys.