Maple Leafs forwards Marner, Engvall placed in NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forwards Mitch Marner and Pierre Engvall into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol.

The forwards are the 16th and 17th Toronto players to enter the league’s protocol since a COVID-19 outbreak on the team started last month, but are the only two team members currently sidelined by the virus.

Seven staff members have also gone through the league’s protocol.

The positive tests come after defenceman Timothy Liljegren, the last player in isolation from the height of the initial outbreak, returned to practice Monday.

Star forward Auston Matthews tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test Monday, but returned a negative PCR test the next day that was later confirmed and played in the Maple Leafs’ 4-2 win over visiting Edmonton on Wednesday.

The Maple Leafs have assigned Joey Anderson and Brett Seney to their taxi squad from the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies.

The Maple Leafs visit the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2022.

The Canadian Press