Devils' Blackwood vaccinated, to be cleared by December

New Jersey Devils goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and will be eligible to play by the time the team takes its first road trip to Canada, according to team reporter Amanda Stein.

Blackwood, who was one of the last remaining unvaccinated NHLers, will be cleared by Dec. 3, when the Devils are scheduled to play an away game versus the Winnipeg Jets.

The netminder, who'll turn 25 six days later, admitted in September he wasn't vaccinated, citing health reasons. He said he was undecided about getting the shot and wanted to take his time determining whether to do so.

The NHL's COVID-19 protocols allow teams to suspend unvaccinated players if they're unable to participate in club activities. The Devils didn't suspend Blackwood but he hasn't played yet this season.

The Canadian goalie, who's reportedly on Team Canada's long list for the 2022 Olympic Games, said in early October he was leaning toward getting the vaccine.

Detroit Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi is the NHL's lone remaining unvaccinated player, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

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