Canucks cancel practice due to potential COVID-19 exposure

The Vancouver Canucks canceled practice and workouts Sunday due to a potential COVID-19 exposure, the club announced Sunday.

Three other NHL teams - the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins - have postponed practices this week for the same reason.

On Friday, the Stars revealed six players and two staff members recently tested positive, forcing the postponement of their first two regular-season games and a likely delay to the start of their 2021 campaign until at least Jan. 19.

That same day, the Blue Jackets held 19 players out of practice in accordance with COVID-19 protocols, though it was unclear if any had tested positive. Columbus practiced Saturday.

The Penguins scrapped their Saturday sessions due to a potential exposure, but returned to the ice for a morning skate Sunday and will proceed with their scheduled scrimmage later in the day.

The NHL season is scheduled to begin Wednesday evening.