NHL COVID-19 tracker: Bruins and Predators now paused through Dec. 26, joining Panthers, Avalanche

The NHL, like other North American sports leagues, is battling COVID-19 outbreaks across multiples teams as of Wednesday. Nearly two years into the pandemic, even with widespread vaccinations and strict protocols in place, COVID is heavily affecting hockey.

One day after a Friday announcement that all Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers games would be postponed through Dec. 26 over COVID-19 concerns, the NHL announced Saturday that the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators would also have their seasons postponed through the league’s holiday break. In addition to these four, the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs have both had their next two games postponed.

As the situation continues to escalate, the NHL and NHLPA also announced an update to its COVID-19 protocols to be observed through at least January 7. The league will resume daily testing for players and coaches, and potentially implement additional pre-game testing “on a case-by-case basis” in the event of a COVID outbreak within a team.

An outbreak within the Calgary Flames’ organization had the NHL postpone their games through Dec. 23. The Carolina Hurricanes have also had their games postponed, as an outbreak on their team led to the postponement of a game against the Minnesota Wild. Other games to have been postponed include the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Boston Bruins and the Minnesota Wild against the Florida Panthers.

Here is an updated look at the current COVID situation for teams throughout the National Hockey League and players who have been placed in protocols:

Boston Bruins

Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes

Colorado Avalanche

Detroit Red Wings

Edmonton Oilers

Florida Panthers

Los Angeles Kings

Montreal Canadiens

• Artturi Lehkonen (Dec. 18)

Nashville Predators

New York Islanders

Philadelphia Flyers

Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver Canucks

Washington Capitals