Forward Taylor Hall and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen were on the list of players who are unavailable to play or practice on Tuesday, in accordance with the League's COVID Protocols. The list is updated and released daily by the NHL.
As noted by the NHL, "Continuing for the balance of the 2020-21 season, the NHL is sharing the names of Players who are 'unavailable' to the Club (to practice, travel or play in games) due to COVID protocols. Such 'COVID Protocol Related Absences' can be the result of a number of factors including, among others: (1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol.
"No additional detail will be provided either by the League or the Club, including the precise reason the Player is unavailable or how long he might be out."
The Buffalo Sabres issued the following statement:
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.
The Sabres were set to play four road games during that time. Tonight's game against the New York Islanders was postponed this morning.
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.
Stay tuned to Sabres.com, the team's official social media platforms and
the official Sabres app
for breaking news, as well as any updates pertaining to the 2020-21 season.
