The Colorado Avalanche announced that goalie Philipp Grubauer is on the COVID protocol list. Toronto Maple Leafs youngster Nicholas Robertson got added to the COVID list as well on Wednesday.
G Philipp Grubauer added to COVID list #Avs
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) April 14, 2021
Nick Robertson has been added to the NHL's COVID Protocol list — a cautionary measure since he was recently with the AHL Marlies, who are now dealing with a positive test.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 14, 2021
Philipp Grubauer, Nick Robertson On COVID List
Grubauer did get a positive test and that shut down morning practice for Colorado. However, it could be a false positive much like Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury had earlier in the season. The German goalie joins rookie defenceman Bowen Byram on the COVID list.
Roberston’s situation is different because he doesn’t have a positive COVID-19 test. He may been in contact with someone that has the virus.
So far this season, Grubauer has a record of 25-8-1 with a 2.00 goals-against-average. The 29-year old also has a .920 save percentage and five shutouts this season. The Washington Capitals took him in the fourth round, 112th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft. He has a career record of 104-60-21 with a .920 save percentage and 2.36 GAA.
Robertson got shut down as a precaution due to the AHL Toronto Mariles having a positive test. He hasn’t scored in three games with the big club so far this season. The Pasadena, Calif. native, who went 53rd overall in the 2019 draft, debuted in the NHL qualifying round series last season against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
What This Means for the Future
Both players may be in quarantine for at least 10 days while they get a full diagnosis. Colorado will give newly acquired goalie Devan Dubnyk some time in net. Colorado has 13 games left to play after Wednesday’s game with the St. Louis Blues .Grubauer has played a huge hand in the Avalanche staying in touching distance of first place in the West Division.
Robertson comes as a highly-touted prospect who is honing his craft in the AHL. The recent moves by the Leafs have him not in the team’s plans at least for this season.
