iTHUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood has yet to take a COVID-19 vaccination, but has not ruled out the possibility.
The decision could cost the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils goaltender playing time, with some cities requiring double vaccination in order to enter public arenas. He'd also be ineligible to play in Canada, where the Devils are scheduled to play nine times this season. Canada requires non-vaccinated travellers, whether or not they are legally entitled to enter the country, to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival and while the NBA has an exemption for national interests, the NHL does not.
"I've not decided one way or the other whether I'm doing it. I'm taking a little bit of extra time," Blackwood said, reported by ESPN.
"I have a couple of health concerns and health reasons why I'm working through it a little slower. I wanted to check off a couple of boxes, and not rush to do it."
While the league isn't forcing players to get vaccinated, and expects to have a 98 per cent vaccination rate by the start of the 2021-22 season, they will have the ability to suspend unvaccinated players without pay.
ESPN says unvaccinated players will face restrictions while on the road in the United States.
"I'm not trying to be a distraction to them while I work through it," Blackwood said. "I don't like making life more difficult for the staff or my fellow teammates. I would rather things be normal."
