You knew it was only a matter of time: COVID is starting run through the Bruins organization.

After head coach Bruce Cassidy returned to practice on Monday, completing his COVID related quarantine, issues struck again on Tuesday as both Craig Smith and Brad Marchand were placed into COVID protocol.

COVID issues have flared over the last few weeks across all of sports. Shortly after the Bruins played in Calgary over the weekend, the Flames placed several players into COVID protocol, forcing the postponement of three games through Thursday.

Smith was placed into protocol prior to morning skate this morning and was not on the ice at Warrior Ice Arena. Marchand, however, was present, being placed into protocol shortly after the skate concluded.

Per NHL rules, both Marchand and Smith must quarantine for 10 days, meaning the earliest possible return date to game action would be after Christmas, Dec. 27 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Earlier today the NHL postponed Tuesday’s contest between the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild after several Hurricanes players were forced into protocol.

As of now, Tuesday’s game with the Vegas Golden Knights at TD Garden has not been postponed, but if I had to guess, I am sure Vegas is not too thrilled with going up against the Bruins given their COVID issues, as well as those of the Flames who the Bruins last played against.

On Tuesday, the Oilers placed forward Ryan McLeod into COVID protocol. McLeod and the Oilers hosted the Bruins on Thursday.

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