NHL Buzz: Lee, Johnston in COVID-19 protocol for Islanders

Welcome to the NHL Buzz. Throughout the 2021-22 season, NHL.com will have you covered with the latest news.

New York Islanders

Anders Lee and Ross Johnston were placed in NHL COVID-19 protocol by the Islanders on Friday.
Lee, a forward, played in New York's last game, a 6-1 loss at the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. He has scored four goals in 12 games this season.
Johnston, a forward, hasn't played since a 6-3 opening-night loss at the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 14.
They join forward Josh Bailey, who did not play Tuesday, in protocol.
"We found out the news last night, so they are in protocol," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said Friday. "There's no question you don't replace the players that are in protocol, but this is a tremendous group of individuals as far as handling any type of adversity that comes their way."
New York hosts the Calgary Flames on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; SNW, MSG+, MSG+2, ESPN+, NHL LIVE) in the first game at UBS Arena.
"Right now, there's a total preparation for getting ready for tomorrow night," Lamoriello said. "We had a good skate today, good meetings and we're just going along on a normal process. There's nothing we can control."

Montreal Canadiens

General manager Marc Bergevin was placed in NHL COVID-19 protocol by the Canadiens.
Montreal currently has no players in protocol.
The Canadiens, who have lost four straight games (0-3-1), host the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

Arizona Coyotes

Conor Timmins is out for the season after having knee surgery.
The defenseman was expected to be sidelined 8-12 weeks after he was injured in a 5-3 loss at the Florida Panthers on Oct. 25.
Timmins did not score a point in six games this season.