Senators add Brown, Gambrell to growing COVID-19 protocol list

The number of Ottawa Senators players in COVID-19 protocol doubled Monday, as forwards Connor Brown and Dylan Gambrell landed on a list that already includes winger Austin Watson, defenseman Nick Holden, and associate coach Jack Capuano.

Ottawa canceled practice Monday for precautionary reasons.

Senators head coach D.J. Smith said Brown and Gambrell don't have confirmed positive tests but won't play Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. Smith added that the two players could suit up later this week.

The team placed Watson in the protocol Friday, and Smith confirmed one day later that Watson tested positive. Ottawa added Holden and Capuano to the list Sunday night.

Being in COVID-19 protocol isn't necessarily indicative of a positive test.

Brown ranks third on the Senators with seven points in 11 games this season.

Ottawa recalled forwards Scott Sabourin and Egor Sokolov from its AHL affiliate Monday after summoning defenseman Erik Brannstrom on Sunday.