The Winnipeg Jets cancelled their practice today due to a potential COVID-19 exposure. The team announced the news through their Twitter account this morning.
#NHLJets have canceled their practice scheduled for today. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to potential exposure of COVID-19. There is no further information at this time. Information regarding tomorrow’s schedule will come at a later time.
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) January 16, 2021
Winnipeg Jets Practice Cancelled
Winnipeg has reported that they chose not to practice as a precautionary measure. It is unclear at present if any player has tested positive on the roster. There will be further news on the matter tomorrow once the league has been notified of the situation.
The Jets held Nikolaj Ehlers out of practice on Wednesday while the forward was in COVID protocol. However, he returned to the ice in Winnipeg’s season opener against North Division rivals, the Calgary Flames. There have been a number of teams who have had their preparations affected by COVID-19 while in training camps.
What This Means Going Forward
The Winnipeg Jets become the second team this season to have practice cancelled in keeping with COVID protocols. Last week, the Dallas Stars had to close their training facility for four days after receiving multiple positive tests amongst the players and coaching staff. The NHL responded by postponing the Stars’ season opener until Friday, Jan 22nd. Dallas has missed four games, as a result of the outbreak, which have all been rescheduled. As a result of this exposure, the NHL had to rearrange 10 games.
Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets held 17 players out of practice last week amid their own COVID-19 concerns. Although, they were able to play their season-opener as planned.
There has been no announcement on whether the Winnipeg Jets will be able to play their next game. They are due to play the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, Jan 18th at Scotiabank Arena (7 pm ET). It is their second game of the season. They won their first game of the year in overtime against the Calgary Flames. Patrik Laine scored two goals to open his 2020-21 season account, including the game-winner in sudden death.
