Rush place Connor McClelland in COVID-19 protocol

The National Lacrosse League today confirmed through their official transaction page that the Saskatchewan Rush have placed rookie Connor McClelland on the league’s COVID-19 protocol list.

McClelland is the first player on the Rush roster to be placed into protocol, but the ninth NLLer to go there during this year’s season so far.

Selected in the first round of the 2020 NLL Draft, McClelland has been a regular starter on Saskatchewan’s always stingy defensive end, registering 12 loose balls and 4 caused turnovers during his first three NLL games. He also scored the Rush’s season-opening goal against the Halifax Thunderbirds in Week 1.

The Rush have moved Clark Walter to their active roster from the practice-player list to replace McClelland.

Saskatchewan travels to Albany to play the winless FireWolves at MVP Arena this Saturday night (7pm ET). Earlier this week, the Albany FireWolves traded for vet forward Ryan Benesch in an attempt to strengthen their scoring depth.

"I mean, he's been a premier offensive guy for the last 15 years," Albany General Manager & Head Coach, Glenn Clark, told the Times Union. "Obviously, he's on the back nine of his career, but he's still an effective offensive player and we've been stale a little bit offensively. So it was kind of an opportunity to add a piece at a reasonable price without sort of giving up too much in the process in terms of assets. I think he could be a good fit and a good help."