NHL projects 98% full vaccination rate among players before season

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says the league projects 98% of its players to be fully vaccinated by the start of the 2021-22 campaign, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

That leaves 10 to 15 players league-wide not meeting vaccine standards. They'll be subject to stricter protocols, which could include forfeiting paychecks for days they're unable to participate in club activities.

On the road, unvaccinated players are allowed to be only in the team hotel, practice facility, or game arena. They're not allowed to have teammates in their hotel rooms or enter public spaces such as restaurants.

Exceptions for unvaccinated players include medical reasons, conflicts with religious beliefs, and establishment on the balance of probabilities, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.

Hockey operations staff - or any role that includes interaction with players - for all 32 teams must be fully vaccinated this season. Many teams have already implemented proof of vaccine policies for spectators, as well.

The regular season begins Oct. 13.