The Ottawa Senators won't play their next three scheduled games against the New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers because of a COVID-19 outbreak, the NHL announced Monday.
Associate coach Jack Capuano and 10 players are currently in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.
The move marks the first time this season that the league has had to postpone contests due to the pandemic.
The NHL could delay more games if the Senators' positive cases continue to rise, but their clash against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 22 remains scheduled, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.
Ottawa has been forced to cancel four straight practices. The NHL added in its announcement that the Senators' training facilities have been closed and the league is currently in the process of reviewing the team's regular-season schedule.
The decision was made in conjunction with the NHLPA and team medical groups.
Drake Batherson was the 10th player to join the protocol when the Sens ruled him out before their Sunday matchup against the Calgary Flames.
The shorthanded Ottawa squad is also missing forwards Austin Watson, Connor Brown, Dylan Gambrell, and Alex Formenton, defensemen Nick Golden, Josh Brown, Nikita Zaitsev, and Victor Mete, as well as goaltender Matt Murray.
A player being in COVID-19 protocol isn't necessarily indicative of a positive test.
The Sens are last in the Atlantic Division with a 4-10-1 record.
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