With the start of NHL training camps, new protocols are being announced. As reported by Mike Vogel, the Washington Capitals and the rest of the 23 other playoff teams will no longer add any specifics to player absences.

A player will no longer be out for an “upper body” or “lower body” injury. They will just be absent.

The #Caps and other 23 teams will not be adding any further info to player absences throughout this return to play, so no "upper body," "lower body," etc. Players are either on the ice or they're not; we won't be told reasons for any absences.

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) July 13, 2020

This move follows other sports leagues’ leads and protects players’ personal lives and follows HIPAA laws. According to Vogel, the protocol was a “key ask” of the NHLPA.

It’s all about protecting players’ privacy. This was a key ask for them in returning. https://t.co/o4bINWjTCv

— Mike Vogel (@VogsCaps) July 13, 2020

The NHL addressed how injuries will be reported in a FAQ they published on Monday.

Given the unique circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, effective with the start of Phase 3 (Monday, July 13) and, including the entirety of the Phase 4 Return to Play, the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have mutually agreed that Clubs are not permitted to disclose Player injury and/or illness information. This policy was adopted out of respect for an individual Player’s right to medical privacy. The League will continue to announce, on a regular basis throughout Phase 3 and Phase 4, positive Player test results for COVID-19 while not releasing individual Player or Team identities.

When MLB camps recently began, Philadelphia Phillies’ manager Joe Girardi spoke about restrictions involving his players.

“I don’t want assumptions to be made if possible,” Girardi said, according to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. “I know this is difficult on you. It’s difficult on me. Because of HIPAA laws and Major League protocols, we’re not allowed to announce whether someone is positive. I get the question all the time. I think the assumption is when I say a guy is out for a medical condition that he has COVID. And that is not necessarily always the case. I’m not trying to be secretive. This is just the protocol I’ve been asked to follow.”

The concealing of injuries could help indirectly shield the NHL and its teams from heavy criticism if there are coronavirus outbreaks. Currently, the NHL reports positive coronavirus cases every Monday with very PR-y language.

The hiding of injuries could also set up an unprecedented situation in the playoffs where star players like Alex Ovechkin are mysteriously missing from games and no one knows why.

How do you feel about the news?