Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jake McCabe has been added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol-related absences list, as of Thursday, February 4. McCabe becomes the fifth Sabres player added to the list in the last few days, joining Taylor Hall, Rasmus Ristolainen, Brandon Montour and Tobias Rieder.
Players on the list have not necessarily tested positive for COVID-19. Here are the factors that can result in a player being put on the list:
(1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol;
(2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol;
(3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol;
(4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or;
(5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol.