The National Hockey League announced today that Buffalo Sabres forward Tobias Rieder and defenseman Brandon Montour have been added to the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List. Neither player will be available for practices, travel or games until he is removed from the protocol.
Throughout the 2020-21 season, the NHL is sharing the names of players who are “unavailable” to teams due to COVID protocols. This list is updated daily by the NHL.
Buffalo’s practice facilities were closed indefinitely yesterday, and the NHL postponed all Sabres games at least through February 8 as a result of two players – forward Taylor Hall and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen – entering the NHL’s COVID Protocols.
These “COVID Protocol Related Absences” can be the result of a number of factors including, among others:
(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.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].