Alex Pietrangelo in COVID-19 protocol

The star defenseman of the Vegas Golden Knights was placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Vegas Golden Knights played the St. Louis Blues despite their entire coaching isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test, forcing general manager Kelly McCrimmon to assume coaching duties. The Golden Knights lost 5-4 in a shootout, and were looking to get back in the win column in their second meeting on Thursday. That won’t be happening due to serious circumstances.

The Golden Knights-Blues contest for Thursday has officially been postponed after a player and an additional member of Vegas’ coaching staff were placed in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol. The player was later identified as defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, via SportsNet’s Chris Johnston.

Golden Knights’ next scheduled games to be determined

It’s important to note that being placed on the COVID-19 protocol doesn’t mean a player or coach tested positive. It could mean the individual in question is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or are identified as a possible high-risk close contact.

There has been no official date determined by the NHL for the postponed contest. In addition, the Golden Knight have shut down their facility until further notice.

Pietrangelo was the Golden Knights’ big get of the offseason, as they signed him away from the Blues on a seven-year, $61.6 million contract. In seven regular-season games with Vegas, Pietrangelo has recorded one goal and three assists.

The Blues will now move forward with their upcoming games against the Anaheim Ducks on Jan 29 and 30. As for the Golden Knights, their games against the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 1 and 3 are still scheduled to take place. But that can all change as the NHL continues to monitor Vegas’ situation.