Welcome to the NHL buzz. Throughout the 2021-2022 season, NHL.com will bring you the latest news.

Winnipeg Jets

Mark Scheifele was placed in the NHL COVID-19 protocol on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the team said the center tested positive Wednesday morning and negative overnight. If Scheifele is negative on Thursday morning, he will be eligible to play against the Anaheim Ducks (8 p.m. ET; TSN3, BSSC, BSSD, ESPN +, NHL LIVE).

Scheifele has two assists, in two games this season. He did not play in a 4-1 season opener loss to the Ducks on Oct. 13 as he was serving the last game of a four-game suspension he received for charging the Canadiens forward of Montreal Jake Evans in Stanley Cup Game 1. Round series last season.

Scheifele led the Jets in scoring last season with 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games.

Cheeky Blake wheeler remains in the protocol after testing positive on Monday. Wheeler must miss at least three more games.

Cheeky Dominique toninato was recalled from Manitoba from the American Hockey League.

Chicago Blackhawks

Mike hardman will not play when the Blackhawks host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET; SNP, NBCSCH, ESPN +, NHL LIVE) due to a laceration to the head.

The 22-year-old forward was injured after being controlled by the New York Islanders forward. Matt Martin in the third period of Chicago’s 4-1 loss in Hardman’s season debut on Tuesday. Play on the third row with the left wing Alex DeBrincat and center Henrik borgstrom, Hardman played 9:54 with two shots on goal, a team-high with six hits and two blocked shots.

“I think he did exactly what we hoped he would do,” Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton said. “That line was probably our best line and DeBrincat’s best game. We’ll see how long that lasts, but I kind of picked up where it left off in camp, I thought.” –Tracey Myers