Senators' Holden, associate coach join Watson in COVID-19 protocol

Ottawa Senators defenseman Nick Holden and associate coach Jack Capuano have joined forward Austin Watson in NHL's COVID-19 protocol, the team announced Sunday.

Watson has been in the protocol since Friday. Head coach D.J. Smith has confirmed the 29-year-old tested positive.

The Senators canceled practice Monday for precautionary reasons.

Holden has put up one point in 10 games this season while averaging 17:35 a game. Watson only suited up for two contests with the Senators after recovering from an ankle injury before being sidelined due to the protocol.

In a corresponding move, Ottawa recalled defenseman Erik Brannstrom from its AHL affiliate. Brannstrom has yet to play in an NHL game so far this campaign but has three points in nine games with the Belleville Senators.

Ottawa faces the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.