NHLPA 'strongly encourages' players to get fully vaccinated, warns of potential consequences if they aren't

NHL players were "strongly encouraged" by the NHL Players' Association last week to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and warned of potential consequences if they do not do so, according to The Athletic's Michael Russo and Katie Strang.

Players could potentially lose out on pay if they are unvaccinated and contract COVID-19 during the 2021-22 season. Teams might also withhold pay if an unvaccinated player can't accompany his team on road trips where local or federal authorities require vaccination to enter, The Athletic adds. 

"It sort of puts the pressure on everyone," an anonymous player told The Athletic. "You don't want to be the reason your team plays shorthanded or is forced to be stuck inside your hotel like last season."

In addition, multiple player agents told The Athletic "they have counseled their clients" to comply with vaccination advisories. The agents have also told players who are skeptical about the vaccine to speak with their doctors about it. 

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly recently confirmed that more than 85% of NHL players have been fully vaccinated. However, that's lower than the other major North American professional sports leagues. The NFL is near the 90% vaccination rate, as is the NBA. 

Sources told The Athletic that the NHL is unlikely to mandate vaccination among players. However, unvaccinated players could be subject to stricter policies and protocols. 

The NHL and NHLPA are still discussing protocols for the upcoming season, but those protocols could be similar to last season with the delta variant on the rise across the country. 

On Friday, more than 128,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported, according to The New York Times. That's an increase of 66% over the last 14 days. In addition, 651 deaths were reported Friday, up 116% in 14 days.