John Klingberg and Jeff Skinner are set to return to the San Jose Sharks lineup, bringing much-needed energy as the team navigates a challenging start to the season. Klingberg, who has been out since October 14 due to a lower-body injury, will rejoin the Sharks’ top power play unit. Although he did not elaborate on the specifics of his injury, both he and head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed that it is not related to his ongoing hip issues that have plagued him for the past several years.
Skinner, meanwhile, surprisingly found himself as a healthy scratch during the Sharks’ recent game against the Minnesota Wild. Following this, he shared his commitment to elevate his game and meet the high standards he has set for himself. “We need to win more pucks, and that’s not just on him. That’s our whole group,” Warsofsky emphasized after the game, underscoring the team’s need for improved performance in competitive situations.
The Sharks currently hold a record of 2-5-2, indicating the urgency to bolster their roster. In a subsequent move, they recalled forward Patrick Giles from the Barracuda. Warsofsky described Giles as a center with a right shot who can win face-offs and provide additional size. This move likely serves as insurance for center-winger Adam Gaudette, who is nursing an upper-body injury and may be sidelined longer than initially expected.
Additionally, Giles’s arrival may also support the Sharks’ struggling penalty kill unit. Warsofsky noted the potential return of defenseman Shakir Mukhamadullin, who completed a full practice, suggesting he could be back in action soon. Encouragingly, Nick Leddy was seen on the ice late, which may indicate that his injury is not as serious as initially feared.
The Sharks will face the Los Angeles Kings, who currently hold a record of 4-3-3, as part of the league’s Frozen Frenzy event. The puck is set to drop at 8 PM PT at SAP Center, and fans can catch the game live on ESPN or tune in on the Sharks Audio Network. The return of Klingberg and Skinner is a promising development for the Sharks as they aim to turn their season around.