The Predators had an outbreak before the Christmas break, so on the day where they activated six skaters, they also added three new players to the protocol list, including Novak.

Hayes left Monday's practice early after a positive set and has been placed on the COVID-19 protocol list. The Flyers are one of the few teams that actually have games this week but it looks like they will be without Hayes on Tuesday.

Lizotte has missed the last five games while in COVID-19 protocol but was activated on Wednesday and is expected to play on Thursday. He has one goal and four assists (five points) in 21 games this season.

Mantha was placed on IR on November 5th and moved to LTIR on Wednesday to make room for Nicklas Backstrom to be added to the roster ahead of his season debut.

Hayes played two games before re-injuring himself and missing six more games. He'll be back on Wednesday, centring the third line with Scott Laughton and Travis Konecny. Hayes has one goal and one assist in two games.

Malkin took part in Monday's morning skate in a non-contact jersey, the first time he's skated with the team since undergoing knee surgery in July. Malkin was expected to miss the first two months of the season, so it appears he's on track to return in the middle of December.