The Washington Capitals announced on Sunday that right-wing T.J. Oshie was placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.
Center Evgeny Kuznetsov, center Nicklas Backstrom, and right-wing Garnet Hathaway are also in COVID-19 protocol. Center Nic Dowd and defenseman Trevor Van Riemsdyk are expected to suit up against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday (7 PM ET, NBC Sports Washington in-market, ESPN+ out-of-market) after missing Friday’s 5-2 win over the Winninpeg Jets due to Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions. Both returned against the Blackhawks after missing four games with COVID-19.
Per an NHL’s press release from last season, the reason a player is listed as “unavailable” due to COVID-19 protocol includes: (1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons.
Oshie has four goals and 11 points in 14 games this season but has missed 16 games due to two different lower-body injuries.
25 NHL games have been postponed due to COVID-19 in the last week. The Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators, and Colorado Avalanche were all shut down through Christmas due to the virus this weekend.
By Harrison Brown