from Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff,

What do Nathan MacKinnon, Mark Scheifele and Jeff Carter have in common?

Aside from being all-world centers, all three are among a handful of vaccinated NHL players who have missed games in the first two weeks of the season for a positive COVID-19 test despite being asymptomatic.

Their absences have wreaked havoc on their teams – from a competitive perspective, with their rosters and salary caps, in addition to a health and lifestyle perspective, triggering additional protocols and restrictions.

That has led to frustration from players and front offices alike.

Change could be on the horizon.

Daily Faceoff has learned the NHL and its team of medical experts are currently debating the merits of testing asymptomatic players.

In other words, it’s possible that the NHL modifies the protocol only to test players and team personnel for COVID-19 who present symptoms.

The parties involved, including the NHL Players’ Association, will be jointly reviewing the testing requirements as of Nov. 1. It’s difficult to predict the likelihood of a protocol change for asymptomatic testing because we’re told even the experts have a split opinion.

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