Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to The Toronto Sun, becoming the first star NHL player to contract the coronavirus.
The report came down moments after we learned one of the NHL’s top teams was forced to close its facilities due to a COVID-19 outbreak among players and staff.
NHL star Auston Matthews tests positive for COVID-19
At the time of the diagnosis, Matthews was reportedly living at home in Arizona. The 22-year-old center, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, has been placed into quarantine.
According to the report, Maple Leaps goalie Frederik Anderson spent part of the NHL’s break with Matthews in Arizona. Fortunately, he has since returned home and did not test positive for the coronavirus.
Matthews hopes to be cleared for the opening of Phase 3 training camps on July 10, with clearance to travel to Toronto after Canada lifted its quarantine restrictions.
Arizona COVID-19 Cases
Arizona, where Matthews is residing, reported over 3000 new cases on Friday. This is a record spike that is being experienced by several states, including Texas and Florida. Sadly, this news should not be shocking to anyone given the recent trends across sports.
The NFL and MLB have experienced their own COVID-19 outbreaks among players in recent weeks. In MLB, the Philadelphia Phillies announced five players tested positive for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the NFL has seen its cases among players eclipse double-digits as of Friday.