NHL Announces Major Dates For 2022 Season

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The NHL and NHL Players Association have released the transition rules and critical dates for the upcoming 2021-22 season.

The new transition rules include contract/buyout issues as well as new Covid-19 protocols.

The NHL is not enforcing a vaccine mandate but highly recommends players receive the Coronavirus vaccine. All NHL team employees, staff and administration must be vaccinated, according to the NHL Covid-19 protocols. This includes media, security, charter flight attendants, on-ice officials, off-ice officials and more.

Players who are unvaccinated and contract the virus are at risk of losing playing time as well as salary. The NHL protocol states, “A Club shall have the right to suspend an Unvaccinated Player who is unable to participate with the Club in Club activities and require the Player to forfeit the equivalent of one day’s pay.”

The major dates announced include Trade Deadline, beginning of the NHL Playoffs and free agent signing period.

Critical Dates for 2021-22 Season:

Monday, March 21 – Trade Deadline (2 p.m. CT)
Friday, April 29 – Last Day of Regular Season
Monday, May 2 – Stanley Cup Playoffs Begin
Thursday, June 30 – Last Possible Day of Stanley Cup Final
Thursday, July 7 – Round 1 of 2022 NHL Draft
Friday, July 8 – Rounds 2-7 of 2022 NHL Draft
Wednesday, July 13 – RFA/UFA Signing Period Begins (11 a.m. CT)

Steven Boero
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