NHL brings in even stricter protocols for players; insider believes shut down is inevitable

Amid rising COVID-19 case counts, arenas going to 50 percent capacity and games taking place without fans, the NHL is bringing in even stricter COVID protocols for players to follow.

"The NHL is putting [in] a new covid protocol that will be re-evaluated on January 7th," said Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. "Masks at all time. No more dining in restaurants, virtual meetings and more testing."

The full list of the new protocols enacted by the NHL, which is long, can be found here.

Meanwhile, TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun said he believes a league-wide temporary shut down is inevitable at this point.

"Expect more NHL postponements to be announced today," said LeBrun. "A league-wide pause feels inevitable but for now sense is the NHL/NHLPA will try to power through next few days if possible with case by case approach still."

The Detroit Red Wings announced Saturday morning that three more players and two members of the coaching staff have been put into COVID protocol. That includes head coach Jeff Blashill.

The Philadelphia Flyers have placed another player and staff member on the COVID list, while goaltender Carter Hart is out with an "undetermined illness"

Three teams - the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers - have already been shut down until at least December 27th.

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