Photo Credit: Amedeo Grassia
Covid-19 is affecting most hockey league’s throughout the world, and now Taxi Squad rosters are back in the NHL till through at least the All-Star break. Who would have thought that when the season first started that Taxi Squad rosters would return, but this is just the latest reprieve that the NHL has implemented to help teams navigate through Covid-19 safely and appropriately, “I do not know who’s going to be available tomorrow, uncertain,” Flyers’ Interim Head Coach Mike Yeo said yesterday.
With Taxi Squad rosters returning and some uncertainty due to the testing that was conducted yesterday. Also, with who may come out of Covid Protocol today, it’s understandable that Yeo has no idea who will be available today.
What we know is Sean Couturier entered Covid Protocol and it was retroactive to December 21st, also Ryan Ellis to staff members entered Covid protocol yesterday. Yeo is hoping to get back Morgan Frost, Kevin Hayes, and Max Willman out of Covid Protocol and in time for Wednesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken.
Taxi Squad Rosters
Elliotte Friedman did an excellent job with all the nooks and crannies related to Taxi Squad rosters:
- “Teams don’t have to use them; maximum of six players; no one can be on it more than 20 days. There are some eligibility requirements. You can’t be on it if you’re on an NHL roster as of Dec. 22 (with the exception of emergency recall); are waiver-exempt; were on the NHL roster for at least 75 per cent of the regular-season days or played in 16 of a team’s last 20 games through Dec. 22 (goalies who dressed but did not play is counted as having “played”).”
- “Taxi Squad players can practice and travel with the NHL team. Compensation is AHL-level pay with a stipend of $500 (US) each day they are on it.”
One thing that has been implemented for the rest of the season is if a team is in danger of not being able to dress 12 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies. Teams are now able to call-up players on an emergency recall basis, as long as your salary does not exceed $1 million.
This is a fluid situation right now, but NHL games do not resume until Tuesday the 28th. Let’s hope that this next round of testing goes well and games are able to be played on Wednesday.
WJC Update (Flyers Prospects)
Emil Andrae netted one goal and one assist for a two point effort in a 6-3 Swedish victory yesterday. He also registered a team high four shots on net, and I was very impressed with his skating. Captain Andrae (Team Sweden’s Captain), also appeared to be confident with puck handling, and transitioning from defense to offense.
Elliot Desnoyers was relegated to the fourth line yesterday, but still managed to generate some ice time with 10:22. He was a minus one, but Team Canada won 6-3.
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Today’s schedule of Flyers prospects at the WJC:
Brian Zanetti and Team Switzerland will play at 430pm EST against Russia
Captain Emil Andrae and Team Sweden will play at 930pm EST against Slovakia
