The Ottawa Senators have announced that forward Austin Watson has been placed in the COVID protocol. Watson played Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights, but will be unavailable for an indefinite period of time.
As a reminder, inclusion in the protocol does not mean that a player has tested positive for the coronavirus or even that he has been confirmed as a close contact to another positive person. Included in the NHL’s list of possible reasons for someone being on the COVID Protocol Related Absences list are the following:
(1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol.
Watson made his season debut only a few days ago after returning from an ankle injury he suffered in the preseason. At the time, his head coach D.J. Smith noted how important his intensity and leadership are to the group, noting that the Senators could use his help on the penalty kill as well. Just two games later and he’s out of the lineup again, at least until he is removed from the protocol.
The Senators play again on Saturday, but unfortunately, that game is in the afternoon. It seems unlikely at this point that Watson will be able to go, although because of the lack of details it is unclear at this point.
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