The NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list is growing — and so too are concerns from players about participating in the Beijing Olympics.
Five teams reported additional COVID cases by early afternoon on Tuesday — including the Calgary Flames placing three more players on the protocol list to push the team’s total to nine players and one staff member — and one more game was postponed with Sportsnet confirming the Minnesota Wild-Carolina Hurricanes contest was called off.
Meanwhile, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid reacted to news that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in China could be forced to quarantine for up to 3-5 weeks.
“Obviously, it’s unsettling if that were to be the case when you go over there. I’m still a guy that’s wanting to go play in the Olympics, but we also want to make sure it’s safe for everybody and for all the athletes — not just for the hockey players,” the Canadian star said.
McDavid then was asked if he would say no to playing if the quarantine is at least three weeks.
“I’m not in a position to make that decision today. Again, we’ve got to gather all the facts and information and go from there,” he said.
Several prominent NHL players have expressed similar concerns in recent days — including John Tavares and Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangelo.
The NHL has until Jan. 10 to pull out of the tournament without a financial penalty but the decision not to play can be made after that date, deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed last week.
While the players contemplate their decision, they’re also dealing with the current COVID surge.
“Obviously, that’s a question that’s a lot more than hockey,” McDavid said. “The cases are going up everywhere. Obviously, we’re paying attention and trying to keep each other safe.”
Calgary’s Noah Hanifin, Milan Lucic and Sean Monahan were added to the protocol list Tuesday. The Flames have had three games postponed this week, and the league is now up to nine games postponed on the season.
Later Tuesday, Vancouver Canucks defenceman Luke Schenn and forward Juho Lammikko entered protocol.
Brad Marchand and Craig Smith of the Boston Bruins, Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders and Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche also were added Tuesday.
The Bruins just played the Flames on Saturday.
