Leafs add another player to COVID protocol
Just when it seemed like the Leafs were turning a corner with their large COVID-19 outbreak in the month of December, I'm sad to report that another one of the team's defenders has been placed in protocol on Wednesday.
Per the team's official Twitter account, the Leafs have added 22-year-old Timothy Liljegren to protocol just a day after the return of Jack Campbell, Travis Dermott, T.J. Brodie and coaches Sheldon Keefe and Spencer Carbery.
The Leafs now have 8 players on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list and if the speed at which Omicron has been spreading is any indication, we are likely to see some additions to the list.
The Leafs have already had six games postponed due to COVID-19 and an additional two games were postponed yesterday due to current attendance restrictions in Canada affecting potential revenues.
Thankfully, some recent changes made by the NHL in its COVID protocol will allow players to exit protocol after 5 days if asymptomatic or if symptoms appear to be fading after that point. Players will still need to test negative and be cleared by the team's physician before they can return to play. They must also remain masked for an additional 5 days in team facilities after coming out of protocol.
Liljegren has been a bright spot on the blueline for the Leafs this season with his stellar two-way play. He has often been relegated to the extras list as the team's 7th defenseman, but it is not due to his play, which has been excellent.
Liljegren is still struggling to find his offensive game, recording just 4 points, all assists, in 19 appearances for the Leafs this season. However, his defensive game does not have many holes.
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