Jeff Carter in COVID Protocol, Again; Evan Rodrigues Cleared

The Pittsburgh Penguins will eventually defend their seven-game winning streak, probably on Sunday against the San Jose Sharks. On Friday morning, the Penguins announced two more transactions related to the COVID-19 protocols.

Jeff Carter has been placed in COVID protocol for the second time this season. Evan Rodrigues has cleared protocol and practiced on Friday.

Carter will turn 37 on Jan. 1, will miss at least the next five days. This week, the NHL followed CDC guidelines and shortened COVID protocol to as little as five days, but attached testing and symptomatic conditions. Only asymptomatic players may exit protocol after five days, and testing is required.

This season, Carter has 17 points (9-8-17) in 27 games. The Penguins center has filled the second-line role in Evgeni Malkin’s absence and killed penalties. The Penguins PK remains tops in the league, over 92%.

Evan Rodrigues, 28, already set a career-high with 10 goals this season. He has 23 points (10-13-23) in 30 games. Assuming he misses the game on Sunday, it will be his first absence this season.

Carter is the eighth Pittsburgh Penguins player in Protocol, including Taxi Squad player P.O. Joseph. Currently, Teddy Blueger, Tristan Jarry, John Marino, Mike Matheson, Dominik Simon, and Kasperi Kapanen are in protocol.

The Penguins are practicing Friday and Saturday with the expectation of a home game at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday.

Update: The Pittsburgh Penguins added Anthony Angello and Radim Zohorna to the Taxi Squad on Friday.