A "small number" of NHL players based in the United States have begun receiving COVID-19 vaccines, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported on Hockey Night in Canada's "Headlines" segment Saturday.

"The league's aware of some players who have got it through some circumstances, say the city that they live where it's become available," Johnston said. "That hasn't reached the point where it's systematic yet. It's not as though a team has been able to secure a vaccine for all its staff and its players just yet, but this process of getting the league vaccinated is now underway."

At least one dose of the vaccine has been provided to 16.7% of Americans, according to NPR.

Fans in 17 of the 24 American NHL markets are allowed back in arenas in limited capacities. The doors to Canadian rinks remain closed to all spectators.

Copyright © 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.