Sport COVID forces Golden Knights coaches to quarantine; GM on bench vs. Blues

The Vegas Golden Knights announced that their coach staff — Peter DeBoer included — are in self-quarantine due to COVID protocols, and won’t be on the bench for Tuesday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Instead, GM Kelly McCrimmon will coach the Golden Knights for at least the Blues game as the franchise practices (you might have guessed it) an “abundance of caution” regarding COVID-19.

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Coaching staff members of the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate Henderson Silver Knights will join McCrimmon on the bench.

More on Golden Knights coaches missing at least one game due to COVID protocol

Update from the Golden Knights ????#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/CCiotChPqD

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The Blues are without Vladimir Tarasenko for the time being and watched Alex Steen retire due to injury, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for Hoffman in St. Louis. He’s been playing in camp so far with Jaden Schwartz and Robert Thomas on a dynamic second line, while also being a go-to option on the power play.Taylor Hall also settled for a one-year deal but went to a rebuilding team in Buffalo for the chance to play beside an all-world talent in Jack Eichel. Hoffman took a different approach, joining a strong team that is a lot more likely to bring some playoff time.

— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 26, 2021

It’s unclear if the Golden Knights’ coaches will continue to quarantine after this game. The Golden Knights’ next game also takes place against the Blues on Thursday.

From a safety standpoint, there might be some logic to waiting at least two games. After Thursday’s game against the Blues, the Golden Knights don’t play again until Monday, Feb. 1 vs. the Sharks.

(You know, if the caution is in abundance, rather than [just throwing it out there] at the exact minimum level.)

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that it’s possible that some, if not all, of the Golden Knights’ coaching staff may return by Thursday. Ultimately, we’ll see.

It also remains to be seen if this COVID quarantine extends beyond Golden Knights coaches to players. The Athletic’s Jesse Granger notes that DeBoer had been around Golden Knights players as recently as Tuesday.

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Waiting for the team to confirm, but this would be a pretty wild development.

We don’t have any details as to what happened yet, but Peter DeBoer did morning availability like normal this morning, and he and his staff were on the ice with the entire team yesterday at CNA. https://t.co/y7RbyvVmWH

— Jesse Granger (@JesseGranger_) January 26, 2021

Should NHL keep a closer eye on coaches?

If you’re like me, you’re rankled whenever you see a coach lower their mask to yell at players, complain about officiating, or call for line changes. (You know, coaching stuff.)

On one hand, yes, it’s understandable that coaches want to get their points across. Players who turned the puck over might not cower as much from a muffled scream.

Still, what’s the situation where your saliva flies the most? When you’re yelling, right? (OK, maybe not as much as when you’re coughing but …)

In iso cams alone, we’ve seen coaches who wore their masks in very … cavalier ways. DeBoer himself chafed a bit at wearing a mask, at least early on:

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WEARING A MASK: "The mask thing is tough," DeBoer on wearing a mask behind the bench this season.

"I really felt for Jon Gruden… he's battled with that the entire season. I can feel his pain" #8NN #VGK pic.twitter.com/FpU12NyaC3

— 8 News NOW (@8NewsNow) January 4, 2021

It’s good PR speak to claim that NHL teams are approaching all of this with an “abundance of caution.” Actions speak louder than words, though, and there are areas where it’s fair to wonder if there’s been an absence of caution.

(Was there even much of a discussion about modified helmets for greater coverage, whether that would come down to some form of face-shields or not?)

Here’s hoping every that the Golden Knights’ coaches avoid major complications related to COVID. With NHL coaches, it’s especially scary, considering how many are in at-risk age groups. DeBoer’s 52, so he’s not among those facing the biggest risks. Of course, COVID doesn’t just affect one age group, and professional athletes face risks too.

Hopefully Golden Knights coaches enjoy an abundance of good fortune to go with all of that caution.

U.S. arrivals will now have to quarantine. But officials haven’t said how they plan to enforce it.

What can travelers who are returning from abroad actually expect in the United States? Travel experts and officials say that quarantine enforcement will be tricky, but that following the CDC’s guidance as a requirement would be safest. The U.S. is requiring covid-19 tests for international entry. Experts say the approach is flawed. A spokesperson for the State Department says U.S. travelers “who must travel overseas” should review the CDC’s latest requirements for air passengers returning to the United States and follow testing guidance accordingly. The U.S.

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James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.

COVID forces Golden Knights coaches to quarantine; GM on bench vs. Blues originally appeared on NBCSports.com