Report: No restrictions on coaches when NHL resumes play

According to a report from ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, NHL coaches will face no restrictions when the league resumes play. There was some belief that coaches, especially those of a certain age or at-risk demographic, would face social distancing restrictions but that will NOT be the case according to Kaplan’s report.

From Kaplan:

The NHL has assured its coaches that when hockey returns this summer, there will be no restrictions prohibiting them from doing their jobs, nor will any coaches of a certain age or another at-risk demographic be prevented from being behind the bench, deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN on Thursday.

Though the NHL isn’t expected to mandate any restrictions, if a coach doesn’t feel comfortable being part of the team environment in the bubble for health or personal reasons, the league has said it will help accommodate that coach and it will not affect his job standing.

Exact health and safety protocols for coaches and their interactions with players are still being discussed, though sources suggest it’s possible coaches will wear a mask behind the bench.

It’s not yet known whether or not the NHL will require its coaches to sign a waiver of liability like NBA coaches have, but it seems likely. 

For the full article from Kaplan on ESPN, click below: