Sharks lose seven players, head coach to COVID protocol against Jets

Sportsnet Staff October 30, 2021, 6:38 PM

The San Jose Sharks had seven players and head coach Bob Boughner placed into COVID-19 protocol before Saturday night’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

The game, held in San Jose, was originally scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET, but was delayed while testing was completed.

Andrew Cogliano, Jonathan Dahlen, Erik Karlsson, Jacob Middleton, Matt Nieto, Radim Simek, Marc-Edouard Vlasic & Bob Boughner in COVID protocol for SJ. Logan Couture "under the weather" and not playing, but not in COVID protocol.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 30, 2021

Placed in protocol were: Andrew Cogliano, Jonathan Dahlen, Erik Karlsson, Jake Middleton, Matt Nieto, Radim Simek and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

Sharks center Logan Couture also missed the game due to feeling ill, but the Sharks’ captain was not placed in the league’s COVID-19 protocol, the team said.

Sharks assistant coach John MacLean was to serve as head coach for tonight’s game, with assistant coach of development Mike Ricci also stepping behind the bench.

Recalled from the San Jose Baracuda of the AHL: John Leonard, Jaycob Megna, Nicolas Meloche, Nick Merkley and Ryan Merkley.

Update: As a result of several Sharks players/staff entering the League’s protocol earlier today, there will be a change to the start time of the game against the Jets from 4 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. to allow for the completion and analysis of Sharks’ test results in advance of the game

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 30, 2021

The team did not confirm that any of the players or Boughner tested positive, just that they were placed in COVID-19 protocol.

Barracuda forward Noah Grego was also placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

An NHL game has yet to be postponed this season because of COVID-19 protocol.

Heading into the game, the Jets were 4-2-1, the Sharks, 4-3-0.