In contrast to a new NBA policy, the NHL will not allow unvaccinated players to enter Canada to play in games.
Sportsnet's Michael Grange shared the NBA's edict Monday and indicated the NHL would use the same exemption, which was already granted to MLB's Toronto Blue Jays.
Opposing NBA players who are unvaccinated will able to enter Canada/play in Toronto vs. Raptors under a ‘National Interest Exemption’ (covers MLB and NHL too) but will require testing upon entry, league-mandated testing while here and be restricted to hotel and arena.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) September 27, 2021
However, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly later clarified his league's stance for the upcoming season.
"At this point in time, we have made a decision not to seek a National Interest Exemption," Daly told The Canadian Press' Joshua Clipperton.
Daly recently said he expects 98% of NHL players to be fully vaccinated by the start of 2021-22, which would leave 10-15 players across the league failing to meet the standard.
The NHL finalized its COVID-19 protocols in early September. They include a mechanism for suspending unvaccinated players with certain exceptions, including religious and medical reasons.
Several players, including Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi and Columbus Blue Jackets enforcer Zac Rinaldo, are not fully vaccinated. The Blue Jackets declined to invite Rinaldo to training camp as a result.
A pair of assistant coaches - Rocky Thompson with the San Jose Sharks and Sylvain Lefebvre with the Blue Jackets - were removed from their respective staffs for not adhering to the protocols.
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