4:51 PM
The NHL has stopped games involving cross-border travel until after the Christmas break.
The league decided to delay the games because of federal travel restrictions.
The NHL has had 27 games postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Over the past few days, the NHL and NHLPA have been in constant communication. Both sides view a full schedule pause as a last resort, and are hopeful that they will be able to avoid it, sources tell ESPN. The NHL is going to take a three-week break to allow players to go to Beijing in February, which is now in serious jeopardy.
The NHL can opt out of the Olympics without penalty. The league said on Sunday that it will make a decision in the coming days. NHL players will not go to the Olympics now that the NHL schedule has been impacted by COVID-19, league sources tell ESPN.
The NHL introduced enhanced protocols this week that include daily COVID testing, social distancing at team facilities, and restrictions on where players can go outside of the rink or hotel.
The NHL does not require a booster vaccine for players.
