NHL Travel Protocols Are Going to be Intense

As we shared late Friday night, the NHL and NHLPA have reached a tentative agreement which should be finalized by Tuesday of next week once everyone involved votes on the terms. 

While the season appears to be set for a 56-game schedule and some new divisional alignments, there's a ton of protocols in place to ensure the season operates safely. This includes the new travel protocols for players on the road.

Language in protocol continues to change, and will further with input from provincial health authorities.

No guests in hotel rooms. No use of hotel gym. No housekeeping. Assigned seats on buses and planes. In-flight catering eliminated where feasible, etc.

It's all spelled out.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 19, 2020

In order to keep everyone safe, these intense stipulations must be created to ensure the health officials sign off.

Speaking with a few players, they just want to play and they want a chance to bring their immediate families with them. This seems to be the biggest concern, which among other things, should be worked out by the middle of next week.

Puck drops January 13th!

Photo credit: John Crouch/Icon Sportswire