The NHL will relax its COVID-19 protocols for playoff teams once 85% of a club's traveling party has been fully vaccinated for two weeks, reports Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The easements will reportedly allow players to gather socially outside of team facilities, eat and drink outdoors at restaurants, and spend time in each other's hotel rooms.

Additionally, face coverings and social distancing will no longer be required for team meetings and social gatherings, and players won't have to receive PCR testing on off days, notes Johnston.

The changes will only affect U.S.-based teams, for the time being, reports Johnston. Players on Canadian teams have reportedly started to receive their first vaccine shots, but none of the North Division clubs currently qualify for relaxed protocols.

The modifications are reportedly subject to withdrawal for multiple reasons, such as a COVID-19 outbreak. They could also apparently be adjusted if the NHL reaches a deal with Canada's federal government to allow cross-border travel during the third and fourth rounds of the playoffs.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner criticized the NHL in April for its handling of restrictions for vaccinated players, saying the league had failed to keep its promises to ease protocols.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly disputed Lehner's claim that the league made any promises to players regarding post-vaccination protocol changes.

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