Letang added to COVID-19 protocol, out vs. Maple Leafs

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is in COVID-19 protocol and unavailable for Saturday's contest versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, head coach Mike Sullivan announced.

Letang returned a positive test and is in the process of getting that result confirmed, added Sullivan. Letang opened his 2021-22 campaign with four assists through four games.

The star blue-liner is the latest Penguins player to be sidelined early in the season. The club is already without Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Bryan Rust due to injury, while Jeff Carter is also in COVID-19 protocol.

Goaltender Tristan Jarry produced a false positive test earlier this week but will start Saturday against Toronto.

The shorthanded Penguins have started the season 2-0-2.