The San Jose Sharks face a significant challenge as they prepare to navigate through a critical phase of their season without one of their essential defensemen. Vincent Desharnais has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury that has sidelined him for recent games. This move comes as the Sharks gear up to face tough competition, starting with their match against the Utah Mammoth on Monday.
Desharnais has been a crucial component of the Sharks’ penalty-killing unit, which has seen notable improvement this season. Before missing the last two games, he last participated when the Sharks faced the Colorado Avalanche on November 26, where they suffered a heavy defeat. Coach Ryan Warsofsky acknowledged that Desharnais had been battling the injury for a while and confirmed he would miss Wednesday’s home game against the Washington Capitals. However, there is optimism surrounding his potential return during the Sharks’ upcoming five-game road trip.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 225 pounds, Desharnais has established himself as a key player, particularly on the penalty kill, where the Sharks currently rank 14th in the NHL, up from a dismal 30th place just a month ago. The Sharks enter their upcoming games just outside of a playoff position, with several upcoming opponents, including the Capitals, already holding playoff spots.
In response to Desharnais’s absence, the Sharks have recalled winger Pavol Regenda from the AHL’s Barracuda. Regenda has been working to make a name for himself, having struggled initially this season but recently showing improvement with seven points in 19 AHL games. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound winger is expected to complement the fourth line alongside Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves, bringing the grit and size the Sharks are looking for. Regenda expressed his intention to keep his gameplay straightforward and physical.
Additionally, the Sharks have seen progress with other young prospects in the Barracuda, such as Igor Chernyshov and Quentin Musty, who are demonstrating strong performance. However, the team prioritized bringing in Regenda for his physical play style suited for the fourth line.
In another development, forwards Jeff Skinner and Michael Misa joined the morning skate for the first time since suffering lower-body injuries. Both are slated to practice, with decisions about their activation looming. Skinner’s injury occurred during the team’s match against the Calgary Flames on November 13, while Misa was hurt during a morning skate on November 5. The team’s coaching staff is withholding comments on whether Misa might join the Barracuda or head to the IIHF World Junior Championship with Team Canada, which begins training camp soon.
As the Sharks head into their busy schedule, the resolve shown by the team, along with the promising participation of young talent, brings a sense of hope that they can navigate this challenging period effectively.