Capitals place defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk in COVID protocol

Another day, another member of the Capitals in COVID protocol.  After center Nic Dowd was placed in the protocol on Friday, Washington announced that defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk has been added to COVID protocol and will not be available for Saturday night’s game against Columbus.

After having a limited role last season during which he played in only 20 games, van Riemsdyk had played in all 24 contests for Washington this season, notching seven assists while logging more than 17 minutes per night on its third pairing.  The 30-year-old is also tied for the team lead in shot blocks with 36.  The Caps did not confirm whether van Riemsdyk has tested positive for the virus, but if he has and is experiencing any symptoms, he’ll be out for a minimum of 10 days.

The Capitals have been carrying eight defensemen lately, so they won’t need to call anyone up to take van Riemsdyk’s spot on the roster.  Instead, it appears that veteran Matt Irwin will draw in for him Saturday night based on practice lines.  Irwin signed with the Capitals in free agency over the summer, but he has been a healthy scratch for every game so far.