It's past time for the NHL to institute a moratorium on smooching.
The league has been racked by an outbreak of the mumps this season, and on Sunday the virus claimed yet another victim: New York Rangers forward Derick Brassard.
NYR Derek Brassard is the latest NHL player with the mumps. Being sent back to NYC.
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) December 14, 2014
The club has confirmed Shannon's report, though for now they're just saying that Brassard has a "suspected case of the mumps".
Brassard is the second Rangers player to contract the mumps this season, as Rangers fourth-liner Tanner Glass was diagnosed with it in November.
The skilled 27-year-old pivot has been crucial in keeping the Rangers afloat, even as injuries mounted at center. Brassard has managed eight goals and 16 points in 27 games.