Jets captain Wheeler has COVID-19, out at least 10 days
Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler will miss at least four games while sidelined for COVID-19.
The Jets said before their game Tuesday at Minnesota that Wheeler was symptomatic after testing positive for the virus.
According to NHL rules for this season, that means Wheeler must isolate from the team for at least 10 days and need a doctor's approval to return once symptoms are gone. Wheeler was placed Monday in the league's COVID-19 protocols.
The Jets host Anaheim on Thursday and Nashville on Saturday before playing at Anaheim on Oct. 26, all games that the 35-year-old Wheeler will be absent for in addition to the matchup against the Wild in the area he grew up in.
"We focus on today, the guys that are playing," coach Paul Maurice said after the team's morning skate. "Then we'll make sure he gets lots of phone calls as soon as he's feeling 100%."
Wheeler had one assist in Winnipeg's first two games this season. The 14-year NHL veteran had 15 goals and 31 assists in 50 games for the Jets last season.
No other positive tests were reported by the Jets. All of their players are vaccinated.
"Obviously the virus is still around and you've still got to be aware of it, so just extra precaution," said center Mark Scheifele.
Andrew Copp was expected to slide into Wheeler's spot on the top line.
"I don't know if scary is the right word, but it kind of gives us a jolt that it's still around," Copp said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau, cabinet to face fresh questions about Trump's major Canadian tariff threat
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of his cabinet are expected to face fresh questions today about Donald Trump vowing to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico on his first day in office, if border issues aren’t addressed.
Canada Post strike update: 10 million parcels missed so far as Black Friday approaches
Canada Post says it's missed out on delivering an estimated 10 million parcels as a strike by more than 55,000 workers across the country continues ahead of Black Friday.
Tick population, Lyme disease on the rise in Canada
Donna Luger was diagnosed with Lyme disease twelve years ago. She recalls the experience as being a constant battle with illness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
Canada's consumer debt reaches record-breaking $2.5 trillion, credit bureaus say
Consumer debt rose to a record $2.5 trillion in the third quarter as many Canadians continue to struggle with high living costs and rising unemployment, new surveys from two credit bureaus say.
Flying to the U.S.? Here's what Canadians should know about automatic refunds
New U.S. regulations now force airlines to provide swift and automatic refunds for passengers when their flights are either cancelled or significantly delayed.
U.S. driver makes wrong turn to Canadian border, gets arrested for unlawfully possessing a gun
A 62-year-old man from the U.S., who took a wrong turn to the Canadian border thanks to his GPS device, is now facing a firearms-related charge.
Trudeau holiday relief package in peril? NDP want changes, as House stalemate persists
After telling Canadians that New Democrats would back Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's holiday affordability package and help pass it quickly, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh now wants it split up, as he's only ready to support part of it. Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said the Liberals are 'certainly open to working with the opposition parties,' to find a path forward.
Trump vows new Canada, Mexico, China tariffs that threaten global trade
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday pledged big tariffs on the United States' three largest trading partners - Canada, Mexico and China - detailing how he will implement campaign promises that could trigger trade wars.
'Devastating:' Ford warns of impact of new tariffs promised by Donald Trump
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is warning that Donald Trump’s promise to impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods arriving in the United States from Canada and Mexico could have a 'devastating' effect on the province’s economy.