Just hours after logging 12:12 minutes of ice-time and scoring his fifth goal of the season, Chicago Blackhawks rookie Brandon Hagel has been placed in COVID protocol and will not be practicing with the team today, the organization announced.
Forward Brandon Hagel (COVID-19 Protocol) will not practice today.#Blackhawks https://t.co/WYKaWMNMhe
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 2, 2021
Hagel is the sixth player to be placed in COVID protocol for the Blackhawks this season, as Lucas Hallmark, Alex DeBrincat, Nicolas Beaudin, Adam Boqvist, and Ryan Carpenter all were placed in the protocol earlier this season and all returned without long-term issue.
Hawks are beginning practice (minus Hagel) right now nonetheless pic.twitter.com/SO8jZmkTQD
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 2, 2021
A reminder on what can place a player in COVID protocol, from the NHL:
Such “COVID Protocol Related Absences” can be the result of a number of factors including, among others: (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.
Hagel has played in 35 games this season for the Blackhawks, with five goals and 14 points. He is second on the team in points for rookies this season.