Blue Jackets expand ban on Rinaldo
Zac Rinaldo isn’t budging and neither are the Blue Jackets.
After telling the veteran forward that he isn’t welcome at NHL training camp if he’s not vaccinated against COVID-19, the team took the shunning a step further. Rinaldo, 31, wasn’t claimed by another team during the league’s 24-hour waivers period and was told by Blue Jackets management to stay away from the Cleveland Monsters when the AHL affiliate begins practicing Tuesday.
The Blue Jackets required all players to get an approved COVID-19 vaccine before training camp began. Rinaldo, who signed a one-year, two-way contract Aug. 13, decided against it. He will not be paid his NHL salary of $750,000 and will instead be paid his full Ahl-level salary of $300,000 while sitting out.
Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen issued a statement shortly after Rinaldo cleared waivers stating the forward will not be assigned to Cleveland and is free to seek “other opportunities” to play.
“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,” Kekalainen said. “Given the impact COVID-19 continues to have in our communities, we believe the best course of action given Zac’s vaccination status is to not have him report to Cleveland at this time. While we respect an individual’s right to make a personal choice with regards to being vaccinated or not, we have a responsibility to do what we believe is best for our organization.”
Rinaldo has not commented about the situation. His agent, Todd Reynolds, did not respond to requests for comment made by The Dispatch. The NHLPA is reviewing the situation of Rinaldo and other unvaccinated players, but has yet to take action or issue a statement. bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger