NHL targeting the end of next week for Canucks return

According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger the NHL is targeting the "end of next week" for the return of the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks, of course, have 21 players and four staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Yesterday the team confirmed that all players tested were confirmed to have a variant of the virus that is particularly tough on young people. Symptoms include severe headaches, vomiting and weight loss.

From yesterday's official statement from the team:

As of today, 25 individuals have tested positive and the source infection is confirmed a variant - full genome sequencing by BCCDC will be required to determine which specific type. Among the 25 positive cases are 21 players (three players from taxi squad) and four members of staff. One additional player is considered a close contact.

The team also confirmed that, together with Vancouver Coastal Health, they are trying to pinpoint the source of the infection.

Again from the team's statement:

An ongoing investigation by Vancouver Coastal Health and club contact tracing staff attributes the source infection to a single individual obtained in a community setting, which has since been identified by public health as a public exposure location. Rapid spread of infection throughout the team indicates a link between contacts and the primary case.

Suffice it to say that our thoughts are with the team, its staff and their family members and that we truly hope everyone comes out on the other end of this with no lasting effects.