CHICAGO — Jonathan Toews and Henrik Borgström became the ninth and 10th members of the Chicago Blackhawks to enter the COVID-19 protocol this season.
Their placement on the list Tuesday doesn’t necessarily mean they tested positive. Other factors could land them on the list, such as high-risk close contact.
The Blackhawks didn’t hold a news conference with players and coaches after Tuesday’s practice at Fifth Third Arena, so Toews’ and Borgström’s availability for Wednesday’s home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs remains up in the air.
That holds true for Patrick Kane, too, who entered the protocol Saturday.
If all three miss the game, the Hawks would have to face the Leafs without their points leader (5) in Kane, and two others who join Kane (first) among the forwards who lead in average ice time in Toews (fourth) and Borgström (11th).
Here’s a breakdown of who has entered the protocol this season:
— Toews and Borgström (added Tuesday)
— Forward Jujhar Khaira, defenseman Riley Stillman and assistant coach Marc Crawford (added Sunday)
— Kane, forward Ryan Carpenter and defenseman Erik Gustafsson (added Saturday, with Carpenter and Gustafsson removed Sunday)
— Assistant coach Tomas Mitell (added Thursday)
— Goalie Kevin Lankinen (added Sept. 24, removed Sept. 27)
Last season, six Hawks spent time in the protocol, including Alex DeBrincat, Adam Boqvist, Nicolas Beaudin, Lucas Wallmark and Carpenter.
