12.8.21 Rex Update

RALEIGH, NC. -The Carolina Hurricanes have taken another step back toward full strength today, as defensemen Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo are officially no longer in COVID-19 protocol.

Both entered protocol on Monday, November 29 after having tested positive in Raleigh. At the time they joined fellow right-handed defenseman Ethan Bear, who had to enter isolation exactly one week prior.
Now that they are no longer in protocol, the two are eligible resume skating today in Raleigh.
However, Canada requires a 14-day quarantine after a positive test. Due to that rule they will miss the Canes' upcoming games against Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. All three are set to take place between Thursday and Sunday.
The team's next contests after that stretch are Tuesday, December 14 at Minnesota (ESPN+) and then Thursday, December 16 at home against Detroit.
Important figures on the team's blue line, DeAngelo has been one of the top performing defensemen league-wide thus far this season. Prior to having to isolate, his 19 points in 19 games ranked tied for third among all NHL defenders. 13 of those had come at even strength, which led the same category. He was doing so while ranking 131st in average time on ice (ATOI).

CHI@CAR: DeAngelo ties it up after jumping in on play

Pesce has had a nice start to the season himself, contributing seven points in 15 games. Like DeAngelo, Pesce was crucial on the team's man advantage, with the two guiding a unit each from their position. His 21:22 average time on ice rank second among the team, ranking only behind Jaccob Slavin.

ARI@CAR: Pesce rockets one-timer in for go-ahead PPG

Carolina takes on Calgary tomorrow night at the Scotiabank Saddledome at 9 p.m. ET.
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