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Blue Jackets' Zac Rinaldo Will Be Paid AHL Salary, Won't Play Due to Vaccine Status

The Columbus Blue Jackets have effectively parted ways with center Zac Rinaldo after he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Per Chris Bumbaca of USA Today, the Blue Jackets signed Rinaldo to a two-year deal last offseason.

Because of Rinaldo's vaccine refusal, the Blue Jackets did not invite him to take part in the team's training camp. He will not take part in practices for the AHL affiliate Cleveland Monsters when they start Tuesday.

Columbus will still pay Rinaldo his full AHL-level salary of $300,000. The Blue Jackets also placed Rinaldo on waivers, which he cleared Friday.