Unnamed Senators player tests positive for coronavirus

The Ottawa Senators announced on Tuesday night that an unnamed player on the roster has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

It is the first confirmation of a positive test within the NHL since the coronavirus pandemic started to spread across the globe.

The NHL season was officially suspended five days ago. According to the team, the player is experiencing mild symptoms and is in isolation.

They are in the process of notifying anyone that came in contact with the player, while also telling all Senators players to remain isolated. According to the Athletic’s James Mirtle and Hailey Savian, it is believed “multiple players” on the team are currently experiencing symptoms.

Before the NHL season went on hiatus the Senators last three games were in San Jose, Los Angeles, and Anaheim during a west coast trip.

Their game against the Sharks came on March 7 and was one of three games played at the SAP Center after county officials urged the postponement of all public gatherings.

They also played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during that road trip. The Staples Center was the last arena the Brooklyn Nets played in before the NBA season was suspended. Earlier on Tuesday it was announced by the Nets that four of their players, including Kevin Durant, also tested positive.

UPDATE: The Kings and Ducks have released the following statements:

Since being made aware of the Ottawa Senators player that tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and understanding that we played against them on March 11, our senior leadership has been in regular contact with our key medical professionals, our players and staff, the NHL and our partners at STAPLES Center. The health of our players, coaches, staff members, their families, and our community and society on the whole remains our highest priority. We will continue to define our next steps based upon the guidelines of the CDC and WHO, under the direction of our medical team. As of this time, no current member of our organization has demonstrated any signs or symptoms consistent with the onset of the COVID-19 virus and we will continue to monitor this on a daily basis.

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The Anaheim Ducks are following the guidance of the CDC and other leading health organizations, and the NHLfollowing confirmation that an Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for COVID-19. Players from the Ducks have been under quarantine at their respective in- or off-season homes since the NHL’s suggested guidelines were announced on Mar. 12. No player in the organization has reported COVID-19 symptoms at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation regularly.

MORE:
• Nearly every NHL team has announced plans to help part-time workers
• NHL allowing players to go back home, isolate until end of March

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Adam Gretz is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at [e-mail] or follow him on Twitter @AGretz.