Sharks Hopeful as Key Defensemen Near Return from Injuries

SAN JOSE, California – The San Jose Sharks received promising news this week regarding their injured defensemen, as both Nick Leddy and Shakir Mukhamadullin are expected to return to action soon. Leddy was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday due to an upper-body injury sustained during a game on October 23.

Despite their injuries, Leddy and Mukhamadullin participated in the team’s morning skate ahead of their game Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings at SAP Center. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that both players are now considered day-to-day.

The Sharks face a potential crowding issue in the defense corps if Leddy and Mukhamadullin recover simultaneously. Currently, the active roster includes John Klingberg, Mario Ferraro, Dmitry Orlov, Timothy Liljegren, Vincent Desharnais, Sam Dickinson, and Vincent Iorio.

Should Leddy and Mukhamadullin both be activated soon, the Sharks may consider waiving Iorio, who was acquired from the Washington Capitals on October 16. The Sharks are also weighing their options regarding Dickinson, who will be playing his eighth NHL game on Tuesday. If he exceeds nine NHL games this season, the first year of his entry-level contract will kick in.

In the event of an injury recovery parade, trading a defenseman could prove necessary. Leddy, Ferraro, Liljegren, Desharnais, and Klingberg all will be unrestricted free agents, although Klingberg holds a no-movement clause until January 30, and Leddy’s no-trade list includes 16 teams.

Klingberg, who missed the last six games due to injury, expressed excitement about returning to the lineup. Prior to his injury, he had scored a goal and an assist in three games, and he was paired with Ferraro as the Sharks aimed for consecutive wins.

Additionally, the Sharks continue to monitor the status of Adam Gaudette, who was injured in Sunday’s game. With Leddy’s absence, the Sharks recalled center Patrick Giles from the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. Gaudette, who has three goals and an assist this season, is still being evaluated and is expected to be sidelined longer than Leddy.

Warsofsky commented on Gaudette’s performance, noting, “He was playing well, especially after moving to the wing. He was good below the top of the circles, holding onto pucks, putting pucks to the net. A good guy in our dressing room who helps these younger guys.”

Giles, who has contributed with a goal and an assist for the Barracuda this season, was a healthy scratch in Tuesday’s game. Meanwhile, Iorio also remained a healthy scratch following six consecutive games played for the Sharks.