Seth Jones suddenly pulled ahead of game, won’t face former team in Columbus

Seth Jones won’t get to play against his former team tonight. He found out in heartbreaking fashion that he would not be in the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup against the Blue Jackets in Columbus.

After the morning skate, he was informed that he had tested positive for COVID and would be sidelined for at least five days.

This comes at the worst time possible for Jones, who was looking forward to facing his former team in front of his former fanbase - who I am sure would have had a warm welcome back for him.

Jones was expected to talk to reporters about playing against his old team but was held out without explanation.

The Hawks confirmed that three members of the team were added to the COVID-19 protocols Tuesday: defenseman Jake McCabe and head trainer Mike Gapski, and possibly Jones. McCabe and Gapski were confirmed by the Hawks in the morning. Jones’ inclusion on the list was first reported by The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline.

The Blackhawks already lost defenseman Erik Gustafsson, who, along with forwards Brandon Hagel and Sam Lafferty, entered the COVID-19 protocols last Thursday.

Talk about terrible luck…