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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy has been placed in COVID protocols, according to an announcement from the team Tuesday.
The Bruins did not specify whether or not Cassidy tested positive for COVID or was just a close contact with someone who is positive. General manager Don Sweeney did speak with the media Tuesday and said Cassidy was feeling fine and was experiencing "mild symptoms."
With Cassidy in COVID protocols, assistant coach Joe Sacco will take over head coaching duties until Cassidy is cleared to return.
"Like we do with our players I guess, next man up," Sweeney said.
If Cassidy is positive for COVID, he will be able to rejoin the team once 10 days have passed since he first showed symptoms of COVID, at least 24 hours have passed since his last fever without using any medication to reduce his fever, and overall symptoms have improved, according to NHL COVID protocols.
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The NHL protocols state that if he is only a close contact, he will need to test negative three times before he would be allowed to rejoin the team.
Sweeney also mentioned during his press conference the team would be unable to call up players from their Providence affiliate team due to a COVID outbreak.
"They're in a bit of a lockdown situation," Sweeney said. "They had a significant breakout associated with their really difficult travel over the weekend."
The Bruins play five games in the next 10 days, including a matchup with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bruins are next in action Tuesday night against the Detriot Red Wings at 7 p.m.
WBZ's Kyle Bray (@KyleBrayWBZ) reports.
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