The other shoe fell. The NHL has revealed the Washington Capitals’ unavailability due to COVID protocols.
The list is the Caps Russians: forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkindefender, Dmitri Orlov, and goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov.
Earlier today, the Caps were fined $ 100,000 for violating COVID protocols.
Being on this list does not mean that the players have COVID or that they have had a positive test. Some contexts from the NHL:
The NHL shares the names of players who are ‘unavailable’ to the club (to practice, travel or play games) due to COVID protocols. Such “COVID protocol-related absences” may result from a number of factors, including, but are not limited to: (1) an initial positive test that remains unconfirmed until confirmation testing is completed in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (2) required isolation for symptomatic individuals under 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 set forth in the COVID-19 Protocol.
No additional details will be provided by the league or club, including the exact reason why the player is not available, or how long he has not been available.
We should have more details soon.
Update, 20:10: The Capitals and Alex Ovechkin released statements.
The Caps will host the Buffalo Sabers on Friday night.
Inscription photo: Elizabeth Kong / RMNB