The NHL will be halting COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic players, DailyFaceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday.
NEWS: Sources tell @DailyFaceoff that #NHL will no longer test asymptomatic players and staff following the All-Star break, provided Covid-19 rates continue to decline around the league.
Testing will only then be for cross-border travel (as required) and if symptoms arise.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 18, 2022
The change comes after a time that has seen COVID-19 run its course through the league. Also noted by Seravalli, 73 percent of the league’s rosters have tested positive for COVID-19 and 60 perecet of those came during the last five weeks.
“That’s what I’ve heard as well and I mean if every other league is doing it, I think it’s great that our league is doing it as well,” Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau told CanucksArmy.
Those testing changes will come after the NHL’s All-Star break this year. Players and families heading to the All-Star weekend will test for COVID-19 prior to traveling, but won’t be tested in Las Vegas unless they develop symptoms, or if they require a test to cross the border back home.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.
