Klingberg’s Return Prompts Sharks’ Defense Corps Decisions
The San Jose Sharks have received encouraging news regarding their defensive lineup as key players Nick Leddy and Shakir Mukhamadullin are progressing in their recovery from injuries. Both players are on injured reserve but are expected to return soon. Leddy was placed on IR on October 24 due to an upper-body injury sustained against the New York Rangers on October 23, while Mukhamadullin has been on IR since October 19.
Klingberg’s Return and Its Impact on Sharks’ Defense Corps Decisions
With Leddy and Mukhamadullin improving, Sharks’ coach Ryan Warsofsky indicated they are now considered day-to-day. This development presents a dilemma for the Sharks concerning their defensive roster if all players regain full health.
Current Defensive Roster
The active defense includes:
- John Klingberg
- Mario Ferraro
- Dmitry Orlov
- Timothy Liljegren
- Vincent Desharnais
- Sam Dickinson
- Vincent Iorio
Should Leddy and Mukhamadullin return simultaneously, the Sharks may need to make strategic roster moves. One option could involve placing Iorio on waivers since he was claimed from the Washington Capitals on October 16. Another potential decision revolves around defenseman Sam Dickinson, who is set to play his eighth NHL game soon. If he surpasses nine games, it will trigger the first year of his entry-level contract.
Trade Considerations
The team could also consider trading a defenseman if all players are healthy. Key players under consideration include Leddy, Ferraro, Liljegren, Desharnais, and Klingberg, all upcoming unrestricted free agents. Notably, Klingberg has a full no-movement clause until January 30, while Leddy holds a 16-team no-trade list.
Klingberg’s Injury Update
After missing six games due to injury, Klingberg expressed his eagerness to return. He suffered his injury during a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 14. In three games prior to the injury, he recorded one goal and one assist. Although he aimed to return by October 27, a setback prevented his participation. Klingberg clarified that his injury was unrelated to residual issues from a hip resurfacing surgery in December 2023.
Gaudette’s Condition
In another update, the Sharks recalled center Patrick Giles from the San Jose Barracuda in response to Adam Gaudette’s injury. Gaudette, who had performed well with three goals and one assist in his first nine games, is expected to be sidelined longer than Leddy. Post-evaluation, the team anticipates more clarity on Gaudette’s status soon.
Lineup Changes
Giles, who scored a goal and assisted in four games with the Barracuda, was a healthy scratch in the Sharks’ last game. Iorio, after playing six consecutive games post-claim, was also a healthy scratch. The Sharks’ upcoming schedule includes games against the New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Red Wings, where they will look to solidify their defensive strategy.
Fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on the health status of these players as the Sharks navigate a crucial period in their season.
