Defenseman Bode Wilde’s absence from training camp has been the talk of day one. The former second-round pick wasn’t listed on the roster despite no reported injury trouble. As reported by The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, Wilde is unvaccinated and that is keeping him out of camp.

It was suspected that Wilde was unvaccinated after his surprising absence from the training camp roster. He all but confirmed his vaccination status on Instagram today in a comment that reads “Hoping my human rights are enough to let me play… what a world.”

Bode Wilde confirming he’s the one unvaccinated player who wasn’t permitted to come to #Isles camp pic.twitter.com/mmI3ub4KCl

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) September 23, 2021

Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello discussed vaccinations in a conference call with media members on Tuesday. “Everyone in our organization, that is staff, coaches and players, are vaccinated,” Lamoriello said. “We will not allow any player in our organization to participate unless they’re vaccinated.”

Wilde is in the vast minority for vaccination status in the NHL. It was reported earlier this month that the vaccination rate among players is the highest in the four major sports. “Our latest information really suggests 10 players or less will not be fully vaccinated by opening day of the regular season,” NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. That is about a 98% vaccination rate, compared to the NFL’s 93% as of Sept. 3, the NBA’s 85% as of Sept. 14, and MLB’s 85% as of Aug. 27. The MLB’s number includes other Tier 1 personnel such as coaches and medical personnel.

Unless something changes, it is highly unlikely that Wilde will play for the Islanders or any team directly affiliated with them. It is unknown as of now where he will play this season although Europe seems to be a likely option. He had six points in 22 games in Bridgeport last season.

John Smark