Wild's Andrew Hammond added to COVID Protocol Related Absences list

There will be at least one new name on the COVID Protocol Related Absences list when it comes out later today. Andrew Hammond of the Minnesota Wild has been placed in the league’s protocol, leading to a recall of Dereck Baribeau from the Iowa Wild. Hammond has previously appeared on the list, though that was due to false positives according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.

It is important to remember that inclusion on this list does not mean that a player has tested positive for coronavirus or even that they have been confirmed as a close contact to another positive person. There are several reasons why a player could be added and there is a chance of removal the following day.

In Hammond’s case, his placement in the protocol leaves the Wild without a taxi squad goaltender, meaning Baribeau will have to serve as that for the time being. The 22-year-old Baribeau went undrafted after a very average junior career in the QMJHL, but ended up signing with the Wild anyway and has a .920 save percentage through five games this season. Standing 6-foot-6, he could be a potential late-blooming netminder who is finally learning how to use size to his advantage.