COVID Protocol Related Absences: 03/03/21

Each day, the NHL will publicly release the list of players that are unavailable to their respective teams due to being in COVID-19 Protocol. Though the league is still waiting on a report from the Ducks and Kings, here is the rest of today’s list:

Anaheim – TBA
Boston – Charlie Coyle*
Los Angeles – TBA
Nashville – Ryan Johansen
Pittsburgh – Sidney Crosby
San Jose – Tomas Hertl

As a reminder, inclusion on this list does not mean that a player has tested positive for Coronavirus or even that they have been confirmed as a close contact to another positive person. Included in the NHL’s list of possible reasons for someone being on the list is are the following:

(1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol

Players removed today: None

No players have been added to the list today, an especially good sign given Crosby and Penguins assistant coach Todd Reirden were forced to miss last night’s game. Though the Pittsburgh superstar remains out, no one else has joined him on the sidelines. The Penguins are back in action tomorrow and Saturday against the Flyers; it is unclear if Crosby will be removed from the list and able to play in either of those games.

(Coyle was added to the list after it was originally published)

*denotes new addition