Vancouver Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers has joined a list of NHLers expressing disappointment in the league’s COVID-19 protocol system.
After the team returned to practice on Sunday, Myers said he agreed with Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman’s thoughts on possibly eliminating testing for asymptomatic players.
“I saw Steve’s comments. My personal opinion is I completely agreed with what he said. I think he was bang-on,” Myers said. “I completely understand there’s another side of it where there’s people if it’s not themselves have family members that are more vulnerable to what’s happening around the world right now. Everybody’s in a different situation. I think as players the most frustrating part is seeing what other sports leagues are doing. It seems we’re heading the opposite direction of that. I think it’s a little confusing for us.”
Myers has returned from the COVID protocol list after going on Dec. 18.
He said he had chest congestion and mild cold symptoms, and added he has played games previously feeling worse.
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and St. Louis Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly are among those who have expressed frustrations with NHL decisions on COVID.
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 situation, in the NHL and around the world, is constantly evolving. Readers in Canada can consult the country’s public health website for the latest.
The NHL paused on Dec. 22, two days before its scheduled holiday break. It is scheduled to resume play on Tuesday.
Neither the NBA nor NFL has paused its schedule.
The NHL has postponed 64 games this season — far more than the other leagues.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Sunday the league is introducing CBA exemptions designed to give teams COVID roster relief.
The NBA’s rules for replacement rules have been looser than other sports. The Toronto Raptors, for example, played with just four regular players on Sunday night in Cleveland.
The NFL recently eliminated regular testing for asymptomatic players, though it still is doing random testing.
The NHL faces an greater challenge with the U.S.-Canada border than the NBA (with just one Canadian team) and the NFL (with none). COVID rules in general are stricter in Canada than in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau said forward Alex Chiasson is the only Vancouver player remaining in protocol.
The Canucks’ next scheduled game is Wednesday in Anaheim against the Ducks.
