Report: Majority Of NHL Players To Be Fully Vaccinated By Start Of Season

According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, 98 to 99% percent of NHL players will be vaccinated by the start of the regular season. Daly also stated that he believes less than 15 players will remain unvaccinated. He even said that number could end up being lower than 10.

At #NHL Player Media Tour in Chicago, deputy commissioner Bill Daly tells @DailyFaceoff the league is projecting 98% of players will be fully vaccinated prior to start of the season.

Expectation is 10-15 total players will be unvaccinated - subject to more stringent protocols.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 16, 2021

The NHL is not forcing players to get the vaccine, but those who remain unvaccinated will have stricter protocols, such as daily tests for the virus. Furthermore, if an unvaccinated player ends up catching the illness, they can be suspended by their team. They also would give up the equivalent of one day's pay for each day they miss from the illness. This is the case for all club activities.

It is important to note that coaches, general managers and the rest of team personnel must be fully vaccinated, though. Earlier this week, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre because he refused to take the vaccine. Rocky Thompson of the San Jose Sharks also stepped down because he is unable to take the vaccine due to a personal medical reason.

Nonetheless, it's nice to see that the percentage of vaccinated players is expected to be that high. Here's to hoping everyone can stay as healthy as possible this season.