Kraken captain Mark Giordano enters COVID protocol

Seattle Kraken defenseman Mark Giordano has entered the NHL's COVID protocol and is unavailable for Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, per a team announcement.

The 38-year-old Giordano hasn’t had the dreamiest season with his new Kraken club. He has seven points in 19 games on the season, but none in his last five. He’s seen his ice time dip to 20:52 per game this season, the lowest such mark for him in 12 seasons.

The former Norris Trophy winner was expected to be the biggest name on a strong defense in Seattle, but the team has struggled mightily out of the gate due to unexpectedly poor defense and goaltending. It’s likely that Haydn Fleury draws into the lineup in his place.

Giordano could potentially miss the Kraken's next five games if he’s absent for 10 days, and he would miss four contests if he’s absent for seven. Both of those timeframes include matchups against two of the league’s best in the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.