Boston Bruins left winger Brad Marchand has been placed on the NHL COVID-19 protocol list, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters. As a result, he missed Saturday’s game between the Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres. Marchand, who leads the Bruins in points (34), assists (22) and plus/minus (plus-nine) and ranks second on the team with 12 goals in 29 games, missed his first game of the season. He was replaced on the Bruins’ top line by Trent Frederic. Marchand, who is in his 12th season with the Bruins, joins forwards Jake DeBrusk and Sean Kuraly in COVID-19 protocol. Kuraly was placed on the protocol list prior to a 4-1 win against the Sabres on March 18. The next day, David Pastrnak, David Krejci and Craig Smith were added to the list, which caused the NHL to postpone the Bruins’ next two games -- against the Sabres on March 20 and the New York Islanders on March 23. However, the Bruins were bolstered when the trio was removed from protocol on Wednesday and played in the 4-3 loss in overtime to the Islanders on Thursday. It is unclear if Marchand tested positive for COVID-19, was around someone who did or came in close contact with someone considered to be a high risk to contract the coronavirus, as the NHL’s protocol covers a wide range of factors. --Field Level Media