Blackhawks' Alex DeBrincat, Adam Boqvist on NHL COVID-19 protocol list

The Chicago Blackhawks announced on Monday that forward Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Adam Boqvist have been placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list. It's unknown if either player tested positive for the coronavirus or if they were deemed high-risk close contacts. 

As a result, neither DeBrincat nor Boqvist can return to team activities until they are cleared from the protocol. 

As noted by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the pair played in Chicago's first six games of the season, including Sunday's 6-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. Per ESPN stats, DeBrincat is second on the Blackhawks with six points (two goals and four assists). Boqvist tallied three assists and five shots across his first six games.

Chicago plays at the Nashville Predators on Tuesday and Wednesday and then hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday and Sunday. 

Last week, the Washington Capitals learned they would be without superstar Alex Ovechkin and three other players for at least four games due to the league's COVID-19 protocols. The NHL fined the Capitals $100,000 after players violated health and safety guidelines by gathering inside a hotel room without wearing proper face coverings or masks during a recent road trip.