Sharks Promote Regenda from AHL After Desharnais Placed on IR

The San Jose Sharks have made significant roster adjustments due to injuries affecting their key players. Defenseman Vincent Desharnais has been placed on injured reserve (IR) as the team prepares for a tough series of upcoming games.

Desharnais Placed on IR

Vincent Desharnais, a crucial component of the Sharks’ penalty kill, will miss at least a few games due to an upper-body injury. Before the upcoming match against the Utah Mammoth, he had missed two consecutive games. Coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that he had been struggling with the injury for some time.

• Last Game Played: November 26 against the Colorado Avalanche.
• Games Missed: Two games prior to Monday’s match plus the upcoming home game against the Washington Capitals.
• Expected Return: Possible return during the Sharks’ five-game road trip starting on Friday in Dallas.

Impact on the Sharks’ Performance

Desharnais has been instrumental in the Sharks’ penalty-killing unit, which currently ranks 14th in the NHL at 81.1%. He has averaged over 16 minutes of ice time across 20 games this season and is third on the team in blocks with 34.

Regenda Promoted from AHL

To fill the void left by Desharnais, the Sharks have recalled winger Pavol Regenda from the AHL’s Barracuda. Regenda previously demonstrated his capabilities during training camp but was placed on waivers earlier this season.

• AHL Performance: Regenda has recorded seven points in 19 games this season.
• Size Advantage: At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he is expected to enhance the team’s physical presence.

Regenda will make his debut on the fourth line alongside Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves. He aims to contribute by playing a straightforward and physical game, focusing on fundamentals during gameplay.

Additional Player Updates

Forward Adam Gaudette is questionable for Monday’s game due to illness, while Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa participated in morning skate for the first time since their injuries. Both players will be evaluated for their potential return soon. Misa’s situation is particularly unique, as he might participate in the upcoming IIHF World Junior Championship.

Summary of Injured Players

The Sharks face a challenging stretch ahead, with eight of their next ten opponents currently in playoff contention. Desharnais’s absence will be felt, but the team hopes that Regenda’s call-up can provide the necessary boost during this crucial time.