Mumps outbreak: 5 Canucks players could miss Saturday's game

The Vancouver Canucks have announced that five players have presented symptoms of the mumps, with one confirmed diagnosis.

Troy Stecher is the only confirmed test result, with Chris Tanev, Nikita Tryamkin, Mike Chaput, and Markus Granlund also presenting symptoms. All five players are expected to miss Saturday’s game against the San Jose Sharks, although TSN 1040’s Matt Sekeres is reporting that Tanev might be able to play.

Expecting an announcement from VAN & local health officials shortly, but it appears 5 Canuck players are battling the mumps. Won't face SJ.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2017

The team says it has worked from the outset with the Vancouver Health Authority, NHL, NHLPA, and BC Centre for Disease Control to minimize transmission of the illness.

More from the Canucks media release:

In keeping with BC Centre of Disease Control and Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines, players presenting symptoms are immediately being tested and quarantined in isolation for a five-day period from the onset of symptoms or until test results prove negative. Vaccines are also being administered to minimize further risk of contraction along with universal preventative hygiene measures as recommended by Vancouver Coastal Health including disinfecting all dressing room areas.

“We’re taking this very seriously given how easily mumps can spread,” said Canucks GM Jim Benning. “We’ll continue to follow all protocols in accordance with Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines in order to prevent further infection.”

Vancouver Coastal Health authorities will be on hand at Rogers Arena on Friday to screen players and staff and immunize those who need it.

Mumps is a virus that causes swollen and tender glands, particularly the salivary gland. It also causes flu-like symptoms such as fever and body aches. Mumps is spread through respiratory droplets of saliva and mucus from the nose, mouth and throat and can be present in a person for up to two weeks before symptoms arise.

Coincidentally, the Canucks have had the last four days off, without practices or games, as part of their annual bye week.

This isn’t the first time that mumps has spread into NHL dressing rooms. Two seasons ago, a number of players contracted the virus, including Sidney Crosby.

Sid Crosby among 14 NHL players with the mumps. For those who don't yet have it, MMR vaccine 95% effective. pic.twitter.com/VojBWCAoua

— David Common (@davidcommon) December 15, 2014

Aside from the health concern, the Canucks need to call up players from Utica to fill out their 20-man roster against the Sharks. With that, winger Alexandre Grenier and defenceman Evan McEneny have been called up from the AHL.

Grenier has 38 points (15-23-38) in 51 games with Utica this season. He has played in six career NHL games, all with the Canucks last season.

McEneny will get into the lineup if Chris Tanev can’t play. He has 17 points (6-11-17) in 43 games with the Comets this season and has never played an NHL game.

The #Canucks can use emergency recall to ensure they have players – then can place players on IR to open spots as timelines progress.

— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) February 24, 2017

The other consideration to take into place is the proximity of the mumps outbreak with the trade deadline, which falls on Wednesday. The players listed have not been mentioned in many trade rumours, although the team will need enough healthy bodies to field a team for both the Canucks and Comets.

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