STARS FACING DELAY TO START OF SEASON
COVID-19 outbreaks in Dallas, Columbus signal NHL campaign could be rocky road
COVID-19 shut down the Dallas Stars' training camp on Friday, delaying their season opener, while several Columbus Blue Jackets have also been isolated, casting a shadow on the NHL's hope for a smooth launch to the 2021 schedule.
So far, none of the seven Canadian teams have been affected, but the Toronto Maple Leafs were certainly taking notice of events.
“Hopefully, those (Dallas) guys are all right,” Toronto centre Joe Thornton said after practice. “We've got masks on all the time around here, we get tested every day. During meetings we're seven, eight feet apart.
“So we're keeping it real tight, and with that news coming out, it's a good thing we are doing that and doing everything we can to be safe here.”
Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe, who will supervise a 40-man intersquad exhibition game on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena, called the developments in Dallas unfortunate.
“We feel for those guys out there, and it's another reminder of what we're dealing with in the virus. There's no shortage of stories from other sports. It's something we have to remain very diligent about here. We talked a lot with our players and staff about the importance of (daily preventive measures). Not just because of what we're trying to manage across the world, but there's a competitive side to it within our season.
“Any time you have to remove players from your group, you're at a disadvantage. There are lots of reasons for us to remain diligent. It's going to take lots of reminders and lots of discipline, but we've done a really good job to this point of getting a buy-in from the players and staff.”
Six Dallas players and two staff members confirmed positive tests. The league said in a statement on Friday that the Stars, who were originally to play their first game against the Florida Panthers at BB & T Center on Jan. 14, likely won't begin play earlier than Jan. 19.
Dallas had cancelled practice on Friday morning before the NHL announced the positive tests.
“Those individuals are self-isolating and following CDC and league protocols,” read the statement. “As an appropriate precaution, the team's training facilities have been closed, effective immediately, and will remain closed for several days while further daily testing and contact tracing is conducted.”
Dallas was also scheduled to play at the Panthers on Jan. 15, and at the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 17 and 19. The Stars took Thursday off after their last practice on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, 19 Blue Jackets didn't practise on Friday. The team said the decision was “out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with NHL COVID-19 protocols,” without providing specifics.
Columbus is to open its season against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 14.
Coach John Tortorella said he's not sure if that game will go ahead.
“I have no idea what the doctors do, how the whole protocol works, what they decide,” Tortorella told nhl.com. “And I'm not even going to worry about it. Whatever comes our way each day, we're going to present ourselves and try to get the best work in we can.”
DEVILS GOALIE ON LEAVE
New Jersey Devils goaltender Corey Crawford is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced Friday.
Coach Lindy Ruff didn't elaborate on Crawford's absence on Thursday, only to note that it was a personal day. Crawford's absence on Friday marked his third consecutive missed practice since the team opened training camp last week.
“We need to give him his space,” Devils forward Travis Zajac said on Thursday. “Obviously, no one knows himself better than he does, so obviously we want him to be part of this team, but I think going forward, he's got to make that decision. I think he can take all the time he needs. We want him here.”
Crawford, who turned 36 last week, signed a two-year, US$7.8-million contract with the
Devils on Oct. 9, one day after New Jersey placed goaltender Cory Schneider on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout.
The veteran goaltender posted a 16-20-3 record with one shutout, a 2.77 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage in 40 appearances last season with the Chicago Blackhawks, for whom he won a pair of Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015.
LUNDQVIST ON MEND AFTER HEART SURGERY
Veteran NHL goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said he's progressing after undergoing open heart surgery earlier this week.
“Day 3. Surgery went really well,” Lundqvist, 38, wrote Friday on his personal Twitter account. “About five hours to get it all taken care of. Really appreciate the great staff here at the Cleveland Clinic. Last few days has been pretty crazy but feel like I'm in really good hands. Every day is a step in the right direction.”
The longtime New York Rangers goaltender and 2012 Vezina Trophy recipient announced on Dec. 17 that he would miss his first season with the Washington Capitals because of an issue with his heart.
Lundqvist signed a one-year contract worth US$1.5 million with the Capitals on Oct. 9.
The move came on the heels of Washington parting ways with fellow former Vezina Trophy recipient Braden Holtby in free agency.
Washington was expected to have Ilya Samsonov, 23, as its primary starter, with Lundqvist serving as the backup.