Blackhawks cancel practice, place Carpenter and Beaudin in COVID protocol

The Blackhawks canceled Saturday's practice at Fifth Third Arena "out of an abundance of caution due to potential exposure of COVID-19."

Five hours later, the Hawks announced that forward Ryan Carpenter and defenseman Nicolas Beaudin were placed in COVID-19 protocol. They join teammates Alex DeBrincat, Adam Boqvist and Lucas Wallmark.

The Hawks, who made no comment on the situation, have five of the 22 players across the league who were in the protocol.

The Hawks plan on having a morning skate at 9:30 a.m. in advance of their 6 p.m. game against Columbus on Sunday.