Jack Roslovic, a 23-year-old Winnipeg Jets forward, will not be present when his team begins training camp this Sunday, agent Claude Lemieux told the Free Press on Tuesday.
That's because Roslovic, who is a restricted free agent, is still back home in Columbus waiting for word on his immediate future.
Roslovic is looking for a change of scenery and the Jets have explored trade possibilities. But if a deal can't be reached, a new contract must be signed before Roslovic can return to the Jets.
Lemieux said there has been no progress on either front at this time.
Even if a new deal is eventually signed with Winnipeg, Roslovic will face an additional hurdle before he can hit the ice.
Based on current protocols, he would have to quarantine for seven days upon re-entering Canada, and pass four COVID-19 tests which would be administered every second day.
At that point, Roslovic would be allowed to leave his home for the next seven days, but only to go to the rink.
Roslovic is coming off his best pro season, with 12 goals and 17 assists in 71 games last year, primarily as a bottom-six winger. He is looking for a bigger offensive opportunity and would prefer to play centre.
Winnipeg hosts Calgary on Jan. 14 to begin their 2021 season.