A number of the league’s stars, including Patrick Kane, Erik Karlsson and, as of Nov. 3, Sidney Crosby, have tested positive.
MORE: Why was Evander Kane suspended? Explaining Sharks forward’s 21-game ban for violating COVID-19 protocol
Players who test positive are placed on the non-roster COVID-protocols list. It should be noted that other players could end up on this list too. Like last season, “COVID Protocol Related Absences” can be the result of a number of factors, including an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is done; mandated isolation for symptomatic players; required quarantine as a high-risk close contact; isolation based on a confirmed positive test result; quarantine for travel or other reasons.
What is the NHL’s COVID protocol in 2021-22?
With a vaccine now available, the rules are a little different than last season. A vaccinated player is described as anyone who is two weeks post-second dose.
Unvaccinated players are not allowed to travel to Canada due to quarantine restrictions in the country. Therefore, clubs can suspend the players for inability to participate and require them to forfeit one day’s pay for each day they miss. Players who are unvaccinated are also required to follow the majority of rules that were in effect last year, including but not limited to wearing masks at all times while not on the ice; exercising or eating; maintaining 6 feet of distance; not sharing rooms or spaces — such as cars — with other players.
Vaccinated players are only subject to testing every 72 hours or if symptomatic, while unvaccinated players must get tested every day. Players who test positive (a confirmed positive) and are symptomatic must isolate. They must stay in isolation until at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared, symptoms have improved and are cleared by medical personnel to return. Depending on symptoms (e.g., cough, fever, chest pain), a cardiac screening must also be done and cleared.
If they test positive and have to miss games, vaccinated players are listed as having a hockey-related injury and are paid. Unvaccinated players are not paid.
MORE: Twitter shows support for Canadiens coach Dominique Ducharme after positive COVID test
NHL players out of games because of COVID-19 in 2021-22
Updated as of 9:56 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2021
Anaheim Ducks
Arizona Coyotes
None.
Boston Bruins
None.
Buffalo Sabres
None.
Calgary Flames
None.
Carolina Hurricanes
None.
MORE: NHL COVID-19 case tracker: Updated list of players to miss games during 2021 season
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
None.
*Detroit Red Wings
None.
*Because Bertuzzi is unvaccinated he has missed the following games: Oct. 23 in Montreal; Oct. 30 in Toronto; Nov. 2 in Montreal.
Edmonton Oilers
None.
Florida Panthers
None.
Los Angeles Kings
Minnesota Wild
Montreal Canadiens
None.
Nashville Predators
New Jersey Devils
None.
New York Islanders
None.
New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
San Jose Sharks
Seattle Kraken
St. Louis Blues
Tampa Bay Lightning
None.
Toronto Maple Leafs
None.
Vancouver Canucks
None.
Vegas Golden Knights
Washington Capitals
None.
