The 27-year-old said he was asymptomatic for the rest of that first day but started to develop symptoms as the days progressed. He had body aches, a fever, and general fatigue over the course of the 14 days he stayed home.
"I've gone through a lot of emotions the past few weeks between myself getting it, then Jess getting it," said Poolman, adding that he's thankful he didn't pass it on to his teammates.
He thinks the test caught his diagnosis early, and that the fact the team had an off-day on that particular day likely limited the spread.
"I'm glad nobody else got it. That was a big plus for me," Poolman said. "I was waiting around for a week kind of nervous at home."
Now the defenceman is back and slowly working his way back to playing shape. The Jets have been cautious to make sure Poolman isn't pushed beyond what he can handle.
"I came back and it feels like another training camp almost," said Poolman. "Every day feels better on the ice cardio wise, and the hands, it's just a process when you sit out that long."
Poolman wore a regular red defenceman jersey during Sunday's practice and was a full participant.
ICE CHIPS
Jets head coach Paul Maurice feels Poolman is close to a return, and also gave an update on Jansen Harkins and Nate Thompson - both out with lower-body injuries.
"Both of those guys have been on the ice. Thompson is ahead of Harkins in that department in terms of health," said Maurice. "They're still listed as slightly beyond day-to-day. I think Thompson will be available possibly for the Ottawa series. Hark, I'm less sure of where he's going to be at."
