The Chicago Blackhawks’ search for the first win of the season may be even more difficult now.
Just before Saturday’s practice, the team announced that a trio of players have been placed in COVID-19 protocol: Patrick Kane, Ryan Carpenter and Erik Gustafsson.
MEDICAL UPDATE: Forwards Ryan Carpenter and Patrick Kane and defenseman Erik Gustafsson will not practice today (Covid-19 Protocol).
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 23, 2021
As a reminder from training camp, a player being placed in COVID-19 protocol is not necessarily an indication of a positive test result:
COVID-related absences can be due to 1) a positive test which remains unconfirmed, (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals, 3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact, (4) isolation for a confirmed test and/or 5) quarantine for travel.