Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol on Tuesday and is symptomatic, coach Jared Bednar said.
“He’ll be out until after Christmas,” Bednar told reporters.
Toews will miss at least six games. His earliest possible return is Dec. 27 against the host Vegas Golden Knights.
The 27-year-old Toews has 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 16 games this season. He is in his second season with Colorado after spending his first two with the New York Islanders.
Bednar said managing the COVID-19 situation is now part of the duties for NHL teams.
“I know there’s teams that are getting shut down and whatnot, but we’re fighting through it just like everybody else,” Bednar said. “It’s a little bit of adversity but it comes with the territory nowadays.”
Colorado recalled 20-year-old defenseman Justin Barron from the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League. Barron, who was one of the last cuts in training camp, will be making his NHL debut Tuesday night when the Avalanche host the New York Rangers.
“It’s definitely a special day and I’m really looking forward to tonight,” Barron told reporters.
Also, Bednar said that defenseman Jacob MacDonald is improving. MacDonald was the recipient of a high fierce hit from Florida Panthers’ Ryan Lomberg on Sunday and was stretchered off the ice.
“He’s doing better, he’s doing good,” Bednar said of MacDonald. “I talked to him this morning and he was up and about, doing good so hopefully on the way to recovery.”
–Field Level Media