Two NHL players confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Xavier Ouellet, along with Winnipeg Jets defenceman Anthony Bitetto, both confirmed Thursday that they tested positive for COVID-19.

Ouellet, 26, says he initially tested negative when he arrived at training camp, but later on had a positive result. He also told reporters he was asymptomatic.

“I had zero symptoms, there was not one point where I felt sick or anything,” Ouellet said. “I don't really know if I actually had it or not. But the protocols with the league and the governments are pretty strict and they're there to keep it safe for everyone. So I had to isolate myself and wait a little bit before I could come back which is what I did. But since that positive test I've tested negative every day and felt healthy, zero symptoms.”

Ouellet joined his teammates at training camp for the first time on Wednesday. He played in 12 games with the Canadiens this season, posting two assists. He also played in 39 AHL games for Laval Rocket, posting nine goals and 24 points.

Bitetto, 30, tested positive back on June 24, and recently completed a 29-day quarantine, according to Sportsnet reporter Ken Wiebe. He said he feels fortunate his case wasn't very serious.

“I feel very lucky to have had minor symptoms,” Bitetto said. “I didn't have it bad by any means. There were days I woke up and I was completely fine and I'm like ‘I have this virus? How?' It didn't make any sense. It was nothing like I've ever had.”

With Bitetto and Ouellet confirming they have tested positive, that now marks four players who have admitted to having the virus, as Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, along with Edmonton Oilers defenceman Caleb Jones, also admitted to testing positive.

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