CHICAGO — Patrick Kane and two other Chicago Blackhawks players missed practice Saturday after entering the COVID-19 protocol.
The Hawks didn’t offer details into why Kane, forward Ryan Carpenter and defenseman Erik Gustafsson were placed on the COVID-19 list, but it doesn’t necessarily require a positive test.
Coach Jeremy Colliton wouldn’t confirm whether they were asymptomatic.
“We’re not going to go case by case,” he said. “They’re in protocol right now, and we’ll see what happens.”
The development involves one of the Hawks’ top offensive weapons in Kane, a depth forward and special teamer in Carpenter and an offensive blue-liner in Gustafsson at a time the team has scuffled to a 0-4-1 start.
The Hawks play host to the Detroit Red Wings at 6 p.m. Sunday at the United Center.
“I mean, it is what it is. It’s going to happen,” Alex DeBrincat said. “Right now we’re just going to try to follow the protocols and see what happens. Obviously don’t want more guys going in there.”
Added Colliton: “As far as Kaner, that’s a day-by-day thing. We’ll assess as we go.”
“He’s a great player, but we line up with the guys that are available and it’s up to us to find a way to get it done.”
The Hawks recalled Reese Johnson from Rockford. The 23-year-old forward has a goal and an assist in three games with the IceHogs.
“I thought I had a good camp and the three games in Rockford, I felt better each game,” Johnson said. “(I’m) just trying to improve on all aspects of my game and bring it with the Hawks here.”
