12:26 PM
The NHL reintroduced stricter COVID-19 protocols Saturday that include daily testing and other steps in a bid to limit a growing outbreak among players and team personnel.
The enhanced protocols will be put into effect immediately and last through January 1 with an evaluation of their impact. The NHL and NHL Players' Association had discussions about the worsening of the virus in North America.
The three teams that are shut down are Colorado, Florida and Calgary. The number of games that have been postponed this season has gone up to 20 and about 70 players are in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols.
Canadian provinces are limiting attendance at large events to 50% of capacity.
The league said that additional pre-game testing may be implemented on a case-by-case basis when a COVID outbreak occurs within a team.
The omicron variant is responsible for the increase in cases.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have agreed that all clubs will be required to follow enhanced preventative and detection measures in light of the recent increase in positive cases in the league.
The Detroit Red Wings placed three players, coach Jeff Blashill and assistant coach Alex Tanguay in the protocols just moments after the announcement. The only player in the league that is not vaccine-free is Tyler Bertuzzi of the Red Wings.
All eyes are on the calendar when games are postponed. The NHL plans to allow its players to participate in the Winter Olympics in China in February, if there are no COVID-19 disruptions.
The NHL has until January 10 to opt out of the Winter Games without penalty, but it can't do so until players are in Beijing.
