According to Mike Sullivan, Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain, has been tested positive for COVID-19.
Sullivan stated that Crosby is suffering mild symptoms and is currently in the NHL COVID-19 protocol. Because of the positive test, he missed practice Wednesday.
Crosby, who is 34 years old, was just back in the Penguins' lineup on Saturday, having had left wrist surgery on Sept. 8. Crosby missed seven of the Penguins' first seven games. The Penguins went 3-2-2 during his absence.
"I am sure he is discouraged. He worked very hard to reach this point and we were all so happy to get him back in the fold," stated Sullivan via a Penguins statement. This is yet another obstacle. We'll do our best to control the situation and are hopeful Sid will soon return.
Players who are positive for COVID-19 will be placed in isolation. After at least 10 days have passed from the first symptoms, at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication; and when team doctors determine that the player no longer poses a risk to other players.
The Penguins announced that Brian Dumoulin, a defenseman, missed practice after he tested positive for COVID-19. However, he is now symptomatic. The NHL states that asymptomatic players may return to practice after taking two negative tests within 24 hours.
The Penguins are also missing defensemen Chad Ruhwedel (NHL COVID-19 protocol) and Marcus Pettersson (Penguins). They had mild symptoms and are still in the NHL COVID-19 protocol.