New York Islanders add Matt Martin, Robin Salo to COVID Protocol

ELMONT, N.Y. — COVID-19 isn’t done with the New York Islanders yet.

Minutes before they were to take the ice against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Islanders announced that Matt Martin and Robin Salo had been placed in COVID protocol. The pair join Mathew Barzal in protocol after he entered on Tuesday ahead of the Isles’ loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Both Salo and Martin were in the lineup for Thursday’s win over the Boston Bruins. Salo registers an assist on Anthony Beauvillier’s power-play goal that gave the New York Islanders a 2-0 lead.

Martin and Salo are part of a growing list of players in the NHL that have had to go into COVID protocol as the virus impacts not only the NHL, but the NBA and NFL. The Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames have all had their seasons put on pause as well.

The New York Islanders had an earlier outbreak as well that decimated the roster and saw up to eight players forced to go into protocol. The Isles had two games postponed due to the outbreak at the end of November.

COVID cases have spiked across the league causing concern for the NHL and opening a debate over whether to pause the season or not.