Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - The NHL released its daily update of players added and removed from the league's COVID-19 list for Feb. 3, and two more Buffalo Sabres have entered the league's protocols. Tobi Rieder and Brandon Montour have now joined Taylor Hall and Rasmus Ristolainen on the league's COVID-19 Related Absence list.
Once again, it is unclear, at this point, whether Montour and Rieder have tested positive for COVID-19, or if they were deemed a close contact of someone who did test positive for the coronavirus.
The team that started all this in Buffalo last weekend, the New Jersey Devils, now have 17 players in the league's protocols.
TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie reported on NBCSN on Wednesday that the Sabres believe playing New Jersey has led to them having to shutdown their season. They also believe that COVID-19 can be transmitted on the ice during games.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says there's no evidence to support that.
McKenzie also said that before Sunday's game, the Sabres players went to the NHLPA with their concerns.
The Minnesota Wild started the day with just Marcus Foligno on the list, but he’s been joined by five teammates, including former Sabres forward Marcus Johansson. Minnesota's season has now been shut down through, at least, Feb. 9.
The NHL paused the Sabres' season on Tuesday through, at least, Monday, Feb. 8, with four games being postponed. Buffalo's next scheduled game is Thursday, Feb. 11 against the Washington Capitals.
The Sabres facilities are closed to the players.
