Leafs forward Jason Spezza with his thoughts on the new COVID testing protocols

Following Leafs practice on Tuesday, Spezza took some time to speak with the media about the NHL/NHLPA agreement to change the league's COVID-19 testing requirements to focus specifically on those exhibiting symptoms. Spezza seems to be in favour of the changes.

"I think it's evolved now," said the Leafs veteran. "I think we're in a later stage of this virus where, for us that have had it, the symptoms were very minimal, so I think this is a natural progression."

Spezza has put his faith in the Player's Association and the league's medical team. He trusts that the decisions made by those groups will have everyone's best interests at heart and will work with health officials to ensure public safety.

"I feel like we're in a different place than we were two years ago with the virus. So I think it's a good step in the right direction. We don't need guys missing games for no reason if they're feeling good. We also have to keep in mind the public safety involved. So, I trust the people that are making the decisions and we'll move forward with how they recommend us to," Spezza concluded.

It is believed that the NHL could be looking to have as much as 95% of the postponed games rescheduled to take place in February, with the bulk of them happening during the break that was originally slotted in for the Olympics.