Capitals place C Lars Eller in COVID protocol

The league hasn’t seen many COVID-related absences in recent weeks, though the threat of a positive test is still hovering over every team in certain situations. On Monday, the Washington Capitals have lost a key forward for the time being as Lars Eller has been added to the COVID protocol.

Notably, the Capitals are just returning from a Canadian road trip, which would mean testing was required to re-enter the U.S. Eller’s placement in the protocol does not necessarily mean he is experiencing symptoms, making his absence indefinite at this point.

This is his second time in the protocol this season. Eller missed nearly two weeks in November and has played in just 53 of the team’s 60 games to this point. He has nine goals and 23 points in those games, matching the scoring total he had in even fewer games last season. While he’s never been an offensive force, Eller is one of the most consistent players on the Capitals roster and, before last year’s shortened campaign, had posted at least 12 goals and 25 points in seven straight years.

Hopefully, he’ll miss just a few days with this placement, though that could still cost him a few games. The Capitals are in action Tuesday against the New York Islanders, before hitting the road for games a