Penguins hold 9 players out of camp due to potential coronavirus exposure

The Pittsburgh Penguins are sidelining nine players from their training camp roster due to their potential secondary exposure to the coronavirus, the team announced Monday.

The players had contact with a person who had contact with another person who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, and they will not be permitted to participate in camp "until they're deemed safe in accordance with NHL protocol and further test results," the team said.

The Penguins added, "The decision to isolate this group of players was made out of an abundance of caution."

At least three players on the Montreal Canadiens reportedly tested positive for the virus recently. The NHL previously confirmed that a total of 35 players tested positive between June 8, when Phase 2 began, and July 6.

Training camps opened Monday under Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play plan.