Canadiens' Gallagher, Niku out at least 10 days after positive COVID-19 tests

Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher and defenseman Sami Niku are out for at least the next 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19, Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme confirmed Thursday.

Ducharme said Gallagher and Niku are symptom-free, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

The Canadiens are enhancing their safety measures, eliminating outings and team gatherings away from the rink, Engels adds.

Here's a look at Montreal's lines without Gallagher and Niku:

Gallagher's posted 10 points in 23 games this season, while Niku's collected three assists in nine appearances since joining the Habs.

The NHL has experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases that's forced postponements for the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders in recent weeks.