Lucas Carlsson Called Up to Sharks, Set for NHL Return

San Jose, California – Lucas Carlsson received an unexpected career boost on Friday morning when San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy informed him that he had been called up to the NHL to join the San Jose Sharks.

For the left-handed defenseman, this call-up comes after a prolonged recovery from a torn ACL, which he sustained in February 2024 during Sharks’ training camp. “It’s one of the worst injuries you can have,” Carlsson said. He added, “The summer was tough, just rehabbing…trying to get back to where I [was], then start playing again. It’s been a tough time, but I’m just happy to be back.”

Carlsson, who signed a two-year contract with the Sharks last offseason, has been impressive in the AHL this season, netting 10 goals and 23 points in 44 games with the Barracuda. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praised Carlsson’s abilities, stating, “[Carlsson is] a guy that can help move pucks out of the back end. It’s an area we’ve struggled at. We envision him helping us move pucks on zone breakouts to the neutral zone and then gives us some offense at the blue-line.”

Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 192 pounds, Carlsson has established himself as one of the premier offensive defensemen in the AHL, accumulating 45 goals over the past three seasons. In the NHL, he has played parts of four seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers, recording three goals and 11 points in 60 games.

His relationships with players on the Sharks roster add further context to his call-up. Carlsson was teammates with Patrick Giles on the Charlotte Checkers for the past three seasons, describing him as, “a power forward, big guy, great on the PK.” Additionally, he grew up alongside former Sharks forward Oskar Lindblom in the Brynas IF organization in Sweden. “[Lindblom is] doing great. He loves being home again. It’s his hometown too. It’s good for him. He’s doing great. I’m just happy for him after all he’s been through,” Carlsson said regarding Lindblom, who returned to Brynas this summer after overcoming cancer.

Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins will mark Carlsson’s first NHL appearance since his injury. “I know what I can do at this level,” he stated confidently. “So I’m just gonna be myself.” In the same game, Alexandar Georgiev is slated to start as goalie. The forward lines remain uncertain, with Alex Wennberg expected to be available, while players Kostin and Gregor have been ruled out.

Warsofsky confirmed the defensive pairings for the Sharks, which include Ferraro-Mukhamdullin, Cagnoni-Desharnais, and Carlsson-Liljegren. The puck drop at SAP Center between the Sharks and Bruins is set for 7:30 PM PT, with fans able to watch the game live on NBC Sports California and listen via the Sharks Audio Network.