Buffalo's practice facilities were closed indefinitely yesterday, and the NHL postponed all Sabres games at least through February 8 as a result of two players - forward Taylor Hall and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen - entering the NHL's COVID Protocols.
These "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 team, including the precise reason a player is unavailable or how long he might be out.
Rieder has three goals this season, and Montour has two assists while averaging 21:02 of ice time per game, which is third on the team.
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.
