The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that unvaccinated forward Zac Rinaldo will not play for the team at the start of the new NHL season. While he remains under contract with the team, Rinaldo’s decision to remain unvaccinated against COVID-19 has resulted in him not being selected for the team. To date, Rinaldo is the only player on the Blue Jackets roster to not receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Rinaldo, who was not invited to the team’s training camp last month, was initially expected to be sent to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters. After Rinaldo cleared waivers on Friday, the Blue Jackets announced that this plan would no longer happen.
While the NHL does not have a vaccine mandate in place, the Blue Jackets decided that their actions with regard to Rinaldo were in the best interest of the team. “Our position has been very clear that our organization is committed to doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and fans,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said.
NHL teams have the ability to suspend unvaccinated players without pay, however, the Blue Jackets will only suspend Rinaldo without docking his pay.
