The Coyotes are the latest team to lose a player to the NHL’s COVID protocol as Arizona announced (Twitter link) that winger Andrew Ladd has been added to the protocol.
The 35-year-old is in his first season with Arizona after being acquired in an offseason trade from the Islanders that saw New York part with two second-round picks and a conditional 2023 third-rounder to take on the remaining two years of his contract, one that carries a $5.5MM AAV. While New York buried Ladd in the minors the last couple of seasons to pick up a tiny bit of cap relief, Arizona has no need to do so and has used him in a regular role this season where he has held his own, notching three goals and an assist in 14 games while averaging 14:24 per game.
The duration of Ladd’s stay in the protocol isn’t known as it was not disclosed as to whether or not he was a close contact of someone or if he tested positive and if so, whether he’s symptomatic or asymptomatic. In the meantime, the Coyotes had been carrying 14 forwards on the active roster so no corresponding roster move will need to be made in Ladd’s absence.
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