Batherson back in COVID-19 protocol following 4-point game

Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson finds himself back in COVID-19 protocol less than 24 hours after tying a career-high with four points in a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Senators placed the 23-year-old on the list before their game against the Calgary Flames on Sunday. Andrew Agozzino is making his season debut in Batherson's place.

Batherson tested positive Saturday but was cleared to play in that evening's contest following further testing. He leads the Senators with seven goals and nine assists over 14 games this season.

Senators defenseman Nikita Zaitsev was activated off the list Saturday morning but Ottawa put him back in the protocol before the game. He was the club's ninth player to be given that designation, and Batherson is now the 10th along with associate coach Jack Capuano landing in the protocol, according to Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch.

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

The severely shorthanded Senators snapped a six-game losing skid Saturday with their victory over the Penguins.