Capitals forward Lars Eller has been added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list, the team announced Monday.
The NHL announced modified coronavirus protocols in late January, removing daily testing and only testing vaccinated players who show symptoms. Eller will now need to isolate for five days before returning to action.
Eller’s absence will likely mean a shuffling of lines for head coach Peter Laviolette, who could dip into the talent of AHL Hershey to fill Eller’s spot. Daniel Sprong might also see the ice for the first time since appearing in Washington’s 4-0 win over Carolina on March 3.
Though Eller has had a down year statistically—scoring 23 points and a -5 in 53 games this season—he scored Washington's overtime winner at Vancouver on Friday.
Washington has reinvigorated themselves by winning four of their last five games and securing nine out of 10 possible points during that span.
The Capitals will host the New York Islanders on Tuesday night before traveling to visit Columbus and Carolina later in the week.