Rangers’ Ryan Strome Sitting Out Saturday Due To COVID

The New York Rangers announced Friday that Ryan Strome has entered the league’s COVID-19 protocol.

The team said the center will be unavailable for Saturday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, and that Greg McKegg has been recalled from Hartford.

It is not known where Strome's placement is on the COVID protocol list but Pro Hockey rumors reports he could miss up to 10 days if he can’t produce two negative tests — that could potentially be five missed games for Strome. He could be eligible to return on Oct. 29 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, or sooner if he produces the negative tests.

With forward Sammy Blais listed as day-to-day, Pro Hockey Rumors reports there is a chance for the Filip Chytil to step into the second-line center role between Artemi Panarin and Kaapo Kakko.

"It’s an undeniable upgrade from his current wingers in Barclay Goodrow and Julien Gauthier, and it gives him a chance to show some promise of what he can do in a top-six role," Pro Hockey Rumors' Josh Erickson writes. "McKegg could draw into the lineup as the fourth-line center, bumping Kevin Rooney up to third-line duties between Goodrow and Gauthier."

With the Canadiens still missing Joel Edmundson, Mike Hoffman, Carey Price and others, the Rangers will look to get their first win of the season without Strome against a similarly faltered roster.

Keep up with all OutKick's latest betting info by clicking here.

New FanDuel Sportsbook users can make their first bet risk-free up to $1,000. If the bet loses, the FanDuel Sportsbook will refund you in site credit. New users can lock in this offer NOW by clicking this link.

Follow Meg Turner on Twitter @Megnturner_ and Instagram @Megnturner.