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NHL Clubs Will Be Able to Withhold Pay From Unvaccinated Players in Violation of the Updated COVID Protocol

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Jon
August 16, 2022  (6:29 PM)
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The incoming 2022-23 season is bringing plenty of changes, one of which is an updated NHL and NHLPA agreed upon COVID-19 protocol. According to a report from TSN's Chris Johnston teams will now be able to withhold pay from unvaccinated players:

Johnston's report continued:

"In those cases, NHL teams can also require the unvaccinated player to forfeit one day's pay for each day absent from club activities (1/185th of pay for each day lost)."

Officially, there are only a couple of players in the NHL who will even be affected by this news, as the NHL has a greater-than 99% vaccination rate. While players might be subject to wage forfeiture, Johnston iterates that, under the CBA, clubs cannot deny players participation in team activities based on vaccination status "unless stipulated by regulations imposed by the NHL/NHLPA protocol or relevant government and health authorities."

Restrictions have loosened in most NHL cities, so the chances that anyone actually forfeits pay under this provision seems unlikely. But anything can happen. With just under two months remaining until opening night, only a handful of players remain to be signed and several clubs are over the NHL's salary cap. The next six weeks will offer plenty of entertainment.