San Jose Sharks forward Michael Misa’s participation in the upcoming game against the Seattle Kraken has come into question following an early exit from Wednesday’s morning skate. The 2025 NHL Draft No. 2 overall pick is now considered a game-time decision due to a lower-body injury that has yet to be clarified regarding its specific cause or occurrence during practice.
Initially slated to center the Sharks’ third line alongside Ethan Cardwell and Jeff Skinner, Misa’s absence will pose a challenge for head coach Ryan Warsofsky and the team’s lineup. With Misa unable to play, the Sharks find themselves with no immediate replacement forward, forcing a strategic adjustment to deploy a lineup featuring 11 forwards and 7 defensemen.
However, the Sharks are set to welcome back Adam Gaudette, who has missed the last four games due to an upper-body injury. Gaudette will take his place on the right wing of the Sharks’ second line alongside Alexander Wennberg and Philipp Kurashev.
Vincent Desharnais will also enter the lineup, serving as the 7th defenseman as the Sharks adjust their strategy in light of Misa’s injury. The full lines for warmup are as follows:
– Toffoli-Celebrini-Smith
– Kurashev-Wennberg-Gaudette
– Skinner-Dellandrea-Cardwell
– Goodrow-Graf
– Orlov-Liljegren
– Ferraro-Klingberg
– Dickinson-Mukhamadullin
– Desharnais
This lineup mirrors one previously employed against the Detroit Red Wings, indicating that the Sharks are prepared to adapt as they face off against the Kraken. With players like Gaudette rejoining the lineup, there is potential for a resilient performance from the Sharks, showcasing the depth of their roster despite the setbacks. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Misa’s status as game time approaches.