CALGARY — The Calgary Flames announced centre Mikael Backlund and another member of the team’s support staff have entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol Friday, bringing the number of people sidelined in the organization to 32.
#Flames Roster Update: Mikael Backlund and 1 member of the support staff have entered the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 17, 2021
A total of 19 players and 13 club employees are currently in isolation for a team that’s been hit hard by a coronavirus outbreak.
Calgary had already seen four games postponed through Saturday. The league announced Friday it was also postponing Calgary’s Dec. 21 game versus Anaheim and Dec. 23 game versus Seattle.
The NHL has announced it has extended the period of game postponements for the #Flames through the game previously scheduled for Dec. 23 against Seattle. https://t.co/ElOZeuuEjg
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 17, 2021
The Flames announced Wednesday that 17 members of the organization had been placed in protocol, including head coach Darryl Sutter, star winger Johnny Gaudreau and No. 1 goalie Jacob Markstrom.
The Edmonton Oilers, meanwhile, added forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins into protocol, where he joins head coach Dave Tippett and two teammates.
The NHL has seen a sharp rise in players entering its COVID-19 protocol in recent weeks, including a massive jump since Monday.
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