Well then.
Zac Rinaldo, who the Blue Jackets signed to a one-year, two-way deal this summer, will not attend training camp due to his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, he'll begin the season in Cleveland with the Blue Jackets' AHL affiliate.
Earlier this month, Rinaldo spoke at an anti-vaccine passport rally: “I’m not anti-vax, I’m not anti-mask," he said. "I’m pro-choice.”
He made his choice, and the Blue Jackets have made theirs in response. It appears the door is still open for Rinaldo, but only if he chooses to get vaccinated. If that doesn't happen, the chances of him appearing in a Blue Jackets sweater appear to be zero. They weren't that high even before he chose not to get vaccinated, and unless he changes his mind, he won't suit up for the Blue Jackets this season.
"The ball's in (Rinaldo's) court now," said GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "We do everything as a team."
According to President of Hockey Operations John Davidson, each of the 67 players who will be attending training camp with the Blue Jackets is fully vaccinated. Last Monday, the Blue Jackets parted ways with assistant coach Sylvain Lefebvre, who refused to get vaccinated. It's clear that the club is taking the matter seriously.
