The Bruins had a player test positive for COVID-19

It was bound to happen eventually: the Bruins announced in a press release this morning that one of their players tested positive for COVID-19.

From the statement (emphasis ours):

Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play Plan requires all players to be tested for COVID-19 prior to using the team’s facilities. As part of this process the Bruins were advised that a player tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The player underwent two subsequent tests, and both returned negative. The player remains asymptomatic. The Bruins will continue to follow CDC recommendations and adhere to the NHL’s protocol.

At a glance, it looks like one could take this news as a sign that the NHL is serious about testing its players, and that the system is working. After all, it appears that the Bruins player who tested positive wasn’t able to access the facilities until the subsequent negative test.

It’s unclear whether or not the initial test was a false positive, as it doesn’t say when the following two tests were given. Still, the player appears to be fine, and it doesn’t seem like it spread among his teammates at all (probably because they’re all still separated).

The statement went on to say that each Bruin player who has returned to team facilities at this point has tested negative.

There’s something to be said about the transparency here, and it least it shows that the Bruins are on top of things.

Still, expect more of this as the weeks go on — not necessarily here, but in general.