Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres' 2020-21 season has been put on hold through, at least, Monday, Feb. 8 due to Taylor Hall and Rasmus Ristolainen entering the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols. It is unclear, at this point, whether Hall and Ristolainen 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 was just in Buffalo this past weekend, the New Jersey Devils, now have 14 players in the protocol.
Here is the official league statement from the NHL:
“The National Hockey League announced today that Buffalo Sabres games have been postponed at least through Feb. 8 as a result of two Players entering the NHL’s COVID Protocols. The decision was made by the League’s, NHLPA’s and Club’s medical groups, who determined that more caution was warranted while the League continues to analyze test results in the coming days.
"The team’s training facilities have been closed, effective immediately, and will remain closed until further notice. The NHL is in the process of reviewing and revising the Sabres’ regular season schedule, and it is expected that a decision on next week’s games will be made in the coming days. The Sabres’ organization has, and will continue to follow, all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its Players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, state and national agencies.”
The Sabres also issued a statement on Tuesday:
“Sabres players and staff have been closely following and will continue to follow the COVID protocols as outlined by the NHL and the team’s medical staff.
"Our organization will continue to work with the league and our medical team to ensure the health and safety of our players and staff.”
With the Sabres' season on hold through Feb. 8, that means, at least, two games against the New York Islanders and two games against the Boston Bruins have been postponed.
Buffalo's next scheduled game will come on Thursday, Feb. 11 against the Washington Capitals.
