Jets place Copp, Vesalainen in NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

On the first day of the National Hockey League’s pause, the Winnipeg Jets have been dealt some very unfortunate news as three members of the organization have been placed in the COVID-19 protocol, the team announced Thursday morning.

In total, the Jets placed forwards @Andrew Copp and @Kristian Vesalainen on the COVID list, along with one member of the club’s support staff as well.

If both Copp and Vesalainen produce multiple positive COVID tests, they’ll be unavailable to return for a minimum of 10 days. Even with the holiday break commencing, that’d prevent both of them from returning to practice on Sunday.

At the earliest, these two skaters and the support staff member wouldn’t be eligible to return from quarantine until Jan. 2, that is if they receive medical clearance from team doctors.

Copp, 27, has appeared in 30 games this season, averaging 20:32 minutes of ice-time per game, posting seven goals and 20 points. In addition, he’s also recorded 77 shots on goal, 26 hits, 22 blocks, 13 takeaways and a 55.2 per cent faceoff percentage.

As for Vesalainen, 22, the 6’3″ forward has logged 9:19 minutes of ice-time per game, registering two goals and two points through 26 games. Additionally, he’s also racked up 31 hits, 25 shots on goal, six blocks and a pair of takeaways.

Winnipeg is scheduled to resume its season against the Minnesota Wild at home on Dec. 27, beginning at 8:00 pm CT.