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Sean Kuraly placed in COVID protocol, out Thursday; Jack Ahcan makes NHL debut on D

We knew that a Bruins player had been placed in COVID-19 protocol after the team canceled its morning skate Thursday, but we didn't know which one.

Now we do: Sean Kuraly. The Bruins didn't have to name the player until the NHL's daily COVID protocol list was updated shortly after 5:30 p.m. Kuraly will miss at least Thursday night's game against the Sabres in Buffalo.


The NHL explains that players can be placed on the COVID list for any of the following reasons:

Such "COVID Protocol Related Absences" can be the result of a number of factors including, among others: (1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol.

Kuraly is the third Bruin to land on the list in recent weeks. Charlie Coyle and Jake DeBrusk each missed one game after what turned out to be false positive tests. It is unclear what's landed Kuraly on the list.

The Sabres also canceled their morning skate due to a staff member entering COVID protocols. There was initially speculation that Thursday's game could be postponed, but barring a last-minute change, it is on as scheduled.

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said Greg McKegg will go in for Kuraly up front, while Jack Ahcan will make his NHL debut on defense, going in for the injured Jarred Tinordi.

The Bruins signed Ahcan last spring as an undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State after a terrific four-year college career. He is a 5-foot-8 left shot who is a terrific skater and great with the puck on his stick. He had seven points (one goal, six assists) and a plus-5 rating in 12 games for AHL Providence before getting called up.

Jaroslav Halak starts in goal Thursday night. Cassidy said Saturday is a possibility for Tuukka Rask to return.