The NHL and NHLPA agreed to updated COVID requirements for the upcoming season, with strict punishments on unvaccinated players. A mechanism will be in place to “suspend unvaccinated players from team activities if they are unable to participate in club activities.” This basically means if a player is unvaccinated and is exposed to COVID, they will be suspended, likely without pay. A vaccinated player who tests positive will follow normal injury protocols.
There are more rules, but that’s the big one. It is similar to how the NFL is suspending unvaccinated players. The NFL took it a step further and teams will forfeit games if they don’t have enough players.