Mika Zibanejad has been placed in COVID protocol. Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers announced before their practice Saturday that center Mika Zibanejad has been placed in COVID protocol.  However, Zibanejad experienced a false positive test and has been removed from COVID protocol, per a team tweet. He’ll be available for Sunday’s game versus the Buffalo Sabres.

The 28-year-old is off to a bit of a quieter start by his standards this season, scoring just four times in 17 games.  But Zibanejad has chipped in with 10 assists to place him fourth in scoring for New York.  Zibanejad once again leads the way in terms of ice time by a forward, logging more than 20 minutes a game.  He’s in the final year of his contract that carries a $5.35M AAV, a considerable bargain compared to the eight-year, $68M extension that he signed last month.

Zibanejad tested positive for the virus prior to training camp for last season, but that was back in January.  If this is indeed another positive test, he would be out for at least the next 10 days, which would cause him to miss the Rangers' next four games at a minimum.  While that wouldn’t be enough time missed to accelerate their shopping for more forward depth, it would still be a tough blow to a team that has gotten off to a solid start this season with a 10-4-3 record.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Sweet Carolina! Panthers bring home former No. 1 overall pick
Dodgers signing catcher to 10-year extension
Insider shares major update on return of 76ers' Joel Embiid
Watch: Draymond Green’s ejection leaves Stephen Curry dejected
UConn HC Dan Hurley delivers hilarious transfer portal analogy
Did Jim Harbaugh tip his hand about what Chargers will do with No. 5 pick?
Eagles' Saquon Barkley opens up about unexpected feud with Giants legend
Lions re-sign career backup QB
Jets' Robert Saleh, Woody Johnson had 'heated conversation' at owners meetings?
Mets release power-hitting first baseman
USC HC Lincoln Riley makes revealing comments about NIL
Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell gets candid on impending free agency
Caitlin Clark receives $5 million offer from pro basketball league
Bengals share concerning update on Ja'Marr Chase contract negotiations
MLS referees will return this weekend following CBA agreement
NCAA working to make sensible change to betting rules
Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles: 'We're not trying to win the offseason'
Lakers trio achieves feat not seen in 53 years in win over Bucks
Dave Roberts offers interesting comments on Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter being fired
Watch: Austin Reaves hits incredible go-ahead three-pointer to seal Lakers' improbable 2OT win vs. Bucks