Hurricanes' Dougie Hamilton misses practice, is 'unfit to play'

The Carolina Hurricanes may be without All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton when they open their five-game series versus the New York Rangers on Aug. 1 for the NHL's 24-team format to crown a 2019-20 Stanley Cup champion. 

Per the team's official website, the 27-year-old left a Wednesday practice early due to an undisclosed injury. Hamilton did not skate with teammates on Thursday. 

As mentioned by the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), coach Rod Brind'Amour couldn't get into specifics about the setback because of an agreement between the NHL and NHL Players' Association that allows players to keep injuries and illnesses, such as a positive coronavirus test result, private throughout the resumption. 

Hamilton last played in January, when he suffered a broken leg that kept him off the ice until the league suspended play on March 12 because of the uncontrolled virus outbreak. He tallied 14 goals and 26 assists in 47 appearances before the injury. 

His status for future sessions or the Aug. 1 resumption is unknown.