Michael Stone to miss Tuesday’s practice due to NHL COVID-19 protocols

Calgary Flames defenceman Michael Stone will not practice on Oct. 12 due to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols, the club announced Tuesday morning.

No additional explanation was given for Stone’s absence. There are multiple possible reasons for players entering COVID-19 protocols, including positive tests and close contact with confirmed positives.

Flames general manager Brad Treliving told reporters on Sept. 15 that his club is “100 per cent vaccinated” for the 2021–22 season.

Under the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols, fully vaccinated players are subject to relatively light restrictions compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. They’re subject to regular COVID-19 testing every three days and are required to wear masks and practice social distancing in certain situations.

Stone is the first Flames player placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list this season.