Duncan Keith won’t be joining the Edmonton Oilers when the team steps on the ice for the start of training camp.
The veteran defenceman remains in quarantine until next Friday where by that time he will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Keith was acquired by the Oilers along with forward Tim Soderlund from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for rearguard Caleb Jones and a conditional 2022 draft pick during the off-season.
General manager Ken Holland also said that he does not anticipate goaltender Alex Stalock playing hockey this season due to an ongoing heart condition. The 34-year-old was claimed off waivers by Edmonton from the Minnesota Wild but did not play a single game last season.
Stalock is in the final left on his contract. In 151 career NHL games, the Minnesota native has recorded a 61-49-18 record with a 2.61 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.
Holland also notes that he expects one player will not be vaccinated this season and is not sure if they will be at training camp.
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association did not impose a vaccine mandate on players, but restrictions — including the potential of not being able to cross the border from the U.S. into Canada without a lengthy quarantine — will make things challenging for those who are not vaccinated.
Fully vaccinated players will have any COVID-19 positive tests treated as hockey injuries and still be paid. Unvaccinated players also will have their movements restricted when on the road. And there will still be regular coronavirus testing for vaccinated players.
