New Jersey Devils defenseman PK Subban saw his name added to the National Hockey League’s COVID-19 protocol roster on Saturday.
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Thus, the former Montreal Canadiens had to miss the game scheduled for the evening against the Red Wings in Detroit.
Earlier today, it was also announced that three Wings players had suffered the same fate, as head coach Jeff Blashill and his Quebec assistant Alex Tanguay. Goalkeeper Alex Nedeljkovic is one of the hockey players concerned. Forwards Givani Smith and Carter Rowney must also isolate themselves.
The absence of Nedeljkovic could particularly hurt the Wings, who have appeared in 21 games for the Detroit team since the start of the season. The goalie is 9-7-3, has a 2.78 goals-against average and a .916 save rate.
Doug Houda, assistant coach with the Red Wings, is temporarily replacing Blashill at the helm of the team.
In Subban’s case, he becomes the fifth player to follow protocol with the Devils, after Nico Hischier, Jesper Boqvist, Ryan Graves and Christian Jaros. In 27 games this season, Subban has collected 11 points, including two goals.