Jets F Blake Wheeler enters NHL’s COVID-19 protocols

In a shocking development, the Winnipeg Jets are expected to be without captain @Blake Wheeler indefinitely as he enters the National Hockey League’s COVID-19 protocols, the team announced Monday.

Wheeler, 35, was absent for the Jets’ morning practice at the Xcel Energy Center, and now, everyone knows why. Until the club can determine his status, the 6’5″ forward will remain isolated and away from the rest of his teammates.

As per the NHL’s COVID-19 guidelines, if Wheeler tests positive, which remains unconfirmed as of now, he’ll be required to quarantine for at least 10 days before being eligible to return to the active roster.

For now, the former first-round selection’s status for Tuesday night’s contest against the Minnesota Wild is undetermined. If he participates in the morning skate, chances are he’ll be in the lineup for his team’s third game of the regular season.

Until then, we’ll have to wait to receive any additional updates.

Through the first two games of 2021-22, Wheeler has averaged 20:36 minutes of ice time per game, posting one assist, three shots on goal, two hits, one block and one takeaway.

Winnipeg is scheduled to play on the road in Minnesota on Tuesday at 7 pm CT.