Penguins place F Malkin in COVID protocol

The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Evgeni Malkin in the NHL's COVID-19 protocol on Monday.

Evgeni Malkin has been placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 Protocol List. pic.twitter.com/LLPIKvwHbV

Malkin has been limited to 12 games this season after off-season hip surgery, posting five goals and 13 points. 

The 35-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent as he plays out the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract.

The Penguins, who will resume their season on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins, recalled forwards Valterri Puustinen and Michael Chaput from the AHL on Monday to fill out their roster.