There's no doubt that the 2020-21 season is going to look very different from the vast majority of seasons in the past. So, just how will the NHL be handling COVID-19 in the upcoming season? Sportsnet's Chris Johnston provided an excellent breakdown.
"During the 2020-21 NHL season, the identity of any player who has a confirmed positive COVID-19 test will be announced publicly," said Johnston. "That does not apply during training camp, when only total numbers league-wide will be disclosed."
That will be very different from the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, when all injuries were announced as a player being "unfit to play."
"When a NHL player has a confirmed COVID-19 result, teammates identified as a close contact won't be required to quarantine as long as they personally test negative, remain asymptomatic and don't have a fever."
That's very good news for teams as requiring those in close contact with a player who tests positive would pretty much mean an entire team would not be able to hit the ice.
"One notable protocol change from the summer [Return to Play]: NHL coaches must now wear face coverings on the bench during games," continued Johnston.
This is an interesting one. As any hockey fan will tell you, many coaches spend a lot of time during games yelling instructions and barking at the referees. Whether the coverings will hinder a coach's ability to be heard remains to be seen.
"Seating areas will be set up for players' families in NHL arenas 'to the extent permitted by local regulations'."
This will completely depend on where games are taking place. If Canadian teams are playing in their home arenas, it's very doubtful anyone will be allowed in the arena other than players, team staff and broadcast personnel. It will be like that in some U.S. states as well.
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