The NHL is adding game-day rapid tests for players to its safety protocols in its latest bid to stem potential COVID-19 outbreaks, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Rapid tests provide results within a half-hour, and will augment daily PCR testing already in place, which is similar to the protocols the NBA introduced this season. PCR tests are considered to be more accurate, but there's a 12-24 hour turnaround on results.
The move was confirmed by the person who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the league had not yet released its updated protocol.
The decision comes two days after Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek tested positive but was not quarantined until after playing the first two periods of a 5-4 win over Anaheim. And it comes on the same day the league delayed the start of Edmonton's game at Montreal by an hour to provide additional time to complete contact-tracing and test results after Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi was placed on the COVID-19 list.
The Oilers became the first of the league's seven Canadian team to encounter a virus-related disturbance a little under a month into the season. Otherwise, the 35 postponed games have all involved teams in the three U.S.-based divisions in place for this season.
Golden Knights forward Mark Stone welcomed the NHL's decision to add rapid testing.
"I think now with the rapid testing getting in place is going to help," Stone said. "We're to know more before the games, which is ultimately what we want."
The NHL currently has paused the seasons of four teams: the Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers, though others have also been idled.
The Wild were cleared to resume practicing Friday following a 10-day pause. The Wild still have 12 players on the COVID list after forward Marcus Foligno was removed on Thursday.
At least 11 of the NHL's 31 teams are affected, with 54 players on the COVID-19 list, led by the Devils with 18. The Calgary Flames are listed as TBA for reasons which are unclear.
New Jersey forwards Kyle Palmieri and Pavel Zacha were both added to the list a day after being removed, while Devils rookie Yegor Sharangovich is no longer listed.
The Flyers now have five players on the list, following the additions of Jakub Voracek and Morgan Frost. Also added to the COVID-19 list were Florida's Anthony Duclair and New York Rangers Filip Chytil.
The NHL upgraded its safety protocols last week, too. It had teams remove glass panels from behind each bench for better air flow, while also spacing players at least 6 feet apart in their locker rooms. Teams were also told not to show up at arenas until one hour, 45 minutes before faceoff unless players need pregame treatment or preparation.
Stone said the first month of the season has been a learning experience given the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
"I think you're a little bit naive to think we were going to go through the whole season without one guy testing positive," Stone said. "I think everybody's kind of learning as we go."
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