Nick Leddy becomes final Red Wing remaining in NHL’s COVID-19 protocol

Ahead of Friday’s game against the Washington Capitals, the Detroit Red Wings have received some very positive news as @Lucas Raymond, @Adam Erne and @Jordan Oesterle have all cleared COVID-19 protocols, the team announced Thursday morning.

Just one day after forwards @Sam Gagner and @Joe Veleno returned from the National Hockey League’s COVID list, three additional skaters have now returned to Detroit’s lineup. In turn, defenceman @Nick Leddy remains the lone member of the team who remains in COVID-19 protocol.

As a result, Gagner, Veleno, Raymond, Erne and Oesterle will all be eligible to participate in Friday’s matchup against Washington. That being said, coach Jeff Blashill has yet to announce if that’ll prove to be the case.

Raymond, 19, has been making a strong Rookie of the Year case for himself in 2021-22, as he’s scored 10 goals and 28 points while averaging 17:27 minutes of ice-time per game. In addition, the 5’10” forward has also posted 64 shots on goal, 17 hits, 12 blocks, 12 takeaways and a 55.6 percent face-off percentage through 31 games.

Erne, 26, has appeared in 30 games during his third campaign with the Red Wings, where he’s averaged 14:12 minutes of ice-time per night and has produced three goals, nine points, 69 hits, 42 shots on goal, 23 blocks, 11 takeaways and a 50 percent face-off percentage.

As for Leddy, 30, the veteran blueliner has played 31 contests in his inaugural season with Detroit, receiving 21:42 minutes per game. Additionally, the long-time New York Islander has registered eight assists, 30 shots on goal, 26 blocks, 16 hits and 11 takeaways.

The Red Wings are scheduled to play their first game in nearly two weeks Friday against the Capitals, beginning at 7:30 pm ET.