The Flyers list of players on the NHL’s COVID Protocol list continues to grow, as two more players have been added to the list as of Friday afternoon. Oskar Lindblom and Scott Laughton have been added to the list:

This is potentially devastating news on a number of levels for Flyers. For one, it casts real doubt on the Orange & Black’s likelihood of taking to the ice in Lake Tahoe on February 21. More importantly, it’s upsetting to see Lindblom’s name on the list, especially given the fact that he was at higher risk following his battle with Ewing Sarcoma.

To be clear, entering protocol is not a confirmation of a positive test result, but it would be concerning at the very least. Keep in mind, defenseman Travis Sanheim was pulled from the team’s lineup ahead of Sunday’s game against the Capitals in Washington.

In the days since Sanheim was pulled on Sunday, Claude Giroux, Justin Braun, Jakub Voracek, and Morgan Frost were all announced as having entered the NHL’s COVID Protocol. None of those players have been confirmed positive by the team, league, or the players themselves publicly. It’s worth noting that we’re now in the 5-7 day window when it’s recommended those exposed to a positive-result individual get tested.

It’s hard to envision a scenario in which the Flyers will play in Lake Tahoe on the February 21 if Philadelphia’s list continues to grow. The expectation is that the New York Rangers will be substituted in for Philadelphia if the NHL opts for a. replacement.

We’ll have more on this throughout the weekend as the story develops.

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