Canucks’ next game postponed, delaying return from COVID outbreak

VANCOUVER

The Vancouver Canucks say some players need more time to recover from a COVID-19 outbreak that has swept through the team.

General manager Jim Benning said in a statement Thursday that certain players have cleared the medical evaluations that they need to pass before returning to the ice, but “many” others have not been cleared and need more time to recover.

“Our medical staff are confident the recovery process for those players will be aided by an additional couple of days,” Benning said.

“Above all else the health and safety of players, staff and families remains the priority.”

The NHL has postponed Friday night’s game between the Canucks and visiting Edmonton Oilers.

“The decision to extend the period prior to the team’s resumption of play was made to provide club staff and players with additional time for recovery and preparation following its recent COVID outbreak,” the league said in a statement. “The NHL made the decision with input from the league’s, (the NHL Players’ Association’s) and club’s medical groups.”

The NHL said it expects to release a revised schedule on Friday.

Friday’s tilt with the Oilers was set to be the Canucks’ first since March 24. Vancouver has now had nine games postponed due to the outbreak.

The Canucks were scheduled Thursday to have their first full practice since late last month.

At least 21 players and four members of Vancouver’s coaching staff have tested positive for the virus since March 30.

Three Canucks remained on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list Thursday, including forwards Nils Hoglander and Jake Virtanen, and defenceman Nate Schmidt. At the height of the outbreak, 19 Canucks were included on the list.

A player on the protocol list has not necessarily tested positive. Players who are in self-isolation after travelling or who’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive, for example, are also on the list.