Coyotes D Aaron Ness tests negative for coronavirus

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Aaron Ness has tested negative for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, his agent told Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on Monday.

Sheehy tweeted the same.

Ness was assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners but was with the Coyotes perhaps as recently as last Wednesday, when his assignment to the AHL was made official. He last played in a game for the Coyotes on Feb. 25.

The NHL has yet to have a player test positive for coronavirus as of Monday morning. The Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks reported last week that the Dallas Stars were awaiting a COVID-19 test kit for forward Alex Radulov, who had been sick.

“We’ll get him tested and go from there,” [Stars GM Jim] Nill said. “He’s been fine. He’s bounced back. … Whatever he’s had, he’s fought off no problem. Is it the corona or not? That’s what we’re waiting to get a test on.”

Ness is 29 years old and has played in a career-high 24 games at the NHL level this season for the Coyotes, his first year with the organization.

On Wednesday night last week, the NBA suspended its season entirely after Utah’s Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for coronavirus. On Thursday morning, the NHL followed suit after yet a second NBA player, Gobert’s teammate Donovan Mitchell, also reportedly tested positive.

It’s not clear when the NHL will resume play, but the league termed its suspension a “pause.” Coyotes CEO Ahron Cohen said Thursday that the expectation is to eventually resume the season, adding the caveat that it’s a fluid situation.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the virus.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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