Detroit Red Wings get some relief with taxi squad and NHL roster changes

While things on Monday were shut down once again across the National Hockey League, things have started back again. The Detroit Red Wings, like many others, are still trying to combat an outbreak of COVID-19 that has rampaged rosters.

The Detroit Red Wings had their season paused before the holiday break came and went after the number of players and staff getting put on the COVID list just kept going up. But, with the league starting back up, the Red Wings have benefited and gotten some relief.

The league has gone ahead and met with the Players’ Association to ensure that some CBA exemptions were made to bring some relief to all the teams struggling.

Between implementing a taxi squad and easier goalie movement rules for teams struggling with COVID-19 issues, things should be improved.

The Detroit Red Wings are getting some relief as games start again.

On Wednesday evening, the Red Wings will pick up the action with a game against the New York Islanders. Looking more in-depth at the league’s new rules, there are ways the Red Wings can try to get through this with minimal absences.

For teams who are unable to dress two goalies, six defensemen, or 12 forwards will be able to dip into a pool of reserve players for emergencies, according to reports. Their cap hit must be less than $1 million for teams like the Red Wings to call them in for emergency use when needed.

The taxi squad will be able to hold as many as six players and allow them to fill holes in the lineup when protocols claim too many active players. It’s another change that is being enacted with the hope of helping teams keep contingency plans in place.

If players were on the roster as of December 22nd, these players cannot be put on a taxi squad. Players who are waiver-exempt are also ineligible to be placed on the taxi squad. For more information on taxi squad regulations, check out the article that was linked above, which has some of the “fine print.”

With more Emergency Back-Up Goalies being used this year, teams dressing five defensemen or eleven forwards, and playing short-handed, the league has tried to step in and make some changes. Both of the changes mentioned above will be helpful for many teams.

These relief measures will remain in place for some time now. They will stay in place until the All-Star Break, which is not until February 5th. The Red Wings will benefit from this and be able to try and fill holes when they are missing players who are in health and safety protocols.