Faced with the resurgence of COVID cases which is undermining its ranks, the NHL has made the decision to postpone the 12 cross-border games scheduled on its calendar by Christmas.
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This means that the Canadian, who was to leave for New York on Monday afternoon, to face the Islanders, Rangers and Devils, will remain in Montreal.
What seems to have weighed in the balance, during the consultation between the NHL and its players’ association (AJLNH), are the federal restrictions on travel in the event of a positive result.
Uncertainty over their application and possible changes over the next few days was causing concern among players, fearing they would have to spend Christmas in quarantine, away from their families.
Elsewhere, we continue
For now, domestic games remain, despite the fact that 106 players, or 14.4% of the total NHL membership, are on the COVID protocol list.
“Although there has recently been an increase in positive COVID results with players, coaches and team staff, the number of cases showing worrisome symptoms or a high degree of illness are low” , said the NHL and its players association in a joint statement.
“This is why medical experts from the NHL and NHLPA have determined that, since the vast majority of players and staff are vaccinated, the need to interrupt the team schedule should be assessed at the time. case by case ”, we can also read.
Before going any further, the NHL and the AJLNH prefer to analyze what will be the effects of the tightening of health rules ordered on Friday.
Olympic uncertainty
The move echoes comments made by Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman on Saturday.
“What is important to know is that our players who have contracted the virus do not have serious symptoms. It’s more of a cold. As long as we can recall players, we will do so and we will want to have the best possible team, ”he said by videoconference.
Nevertheless, the two entities stressed that the integrity of the sport would also be taken into account. Clearly, there is no question of playing matches with formations made up half of players from the American League.
The postponement of these 12 meetings is in addition to the 27 already announced for a few days. Very aware that they are probably not at the end of their sentences, the NHL and the NHLPA are questioning the relevance of sending players to the Beijing Olympics.
Especially since the three-week break, scheduled for February during the Olympic tournament, will probably serve to resume postponed matches.
The NHL and the AJLNH wish to be able to render a final decision in the coming days.
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