NHL to stop testing asymptomatic players post-All-Star break

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The NHL will stop testing asymptomatic players, coaches and staff who are fully vaccinated following the All-Star break in early February, saying coronavirus cases continue to decline across the league.

The league and Players’ Association announced the protocol changes Tuesday. The current policy will remain in place until the All-Star break begins Feb. 3.

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Carolina Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour, who is expected to be behind the bench for the Metropolitan Division at All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas, called the change "common sense."

"The players have done all they can, done all their vaccinations — all that stuff that they can do," Brind'Amour said. "I don't know why they would be testing them, to be honest with you, if they’re asymptomatic, so I agree with this decision. I think it’s a good one."

There will still be testing of asymptomatic individuals when it is needed for crossing the U.S.-Canada border. Testing will not be required at All-Star Weekend, with one negative result needed to return to team facilities after the break.

The 90-day testing "holiday" for players, coaches and staff who recover from COVID-19 will remain in place. New York Islanders forward Matt Martin pointed out that with the playoffs a little over three months away, not testing asymptomatic players is a smart move that could keep rosters from being decimated at that time.

Seattle Kraken left wing Jared McCann takes off from center ice to shoot a penalty shot against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in Seattle. McCann did not score on this play but the