San Jose Sharks Update: Toffoli's Injury and Roster Moves
The San Jose Sharks are navigating some choppy waters as winger Tyler Toffoli missed practice on Wednesday due to a lower-body injury. This puts his participation in the upcoming games in doubt.
Toffoli sustained the injury during the Sharks' recent matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on February 4th. Despite the setback, he managed to finish the game, logging nearly 15 minutes on the ice with three shots on goal and two giveaways, although the Sharks fell 4-2.
Currently listed as day-to-day, Toffoli took to the ice solo on Wednesday morning. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky mentioned that they'll have a clearer picture of Toffoli's status in the coming days.
This news comes at a crucial time, as the Sharks (27-24-4) are five points shy of a playoff spot and are gearing up for a pivotal six-game homestand starting February 26th against the Calgary Flames. Toffoli has been a key player in San Jose’s top six, contributing 15 goals and 36 points this season.
In other news, defenseman Dmitry Orlov missed practice due to travel issues caused by snowstorms in the Lake Tahoe area. He is expected to rejoin the team shortly.
Injury Updates
The Sharks are also dealing with injuries to forwards Ryan Reaves and Ty Dellandrea, both on injured reserve. Reaves, nursing an upper-body injury, practiced on Wednesday and could be activated next week.
Meanwhile, Dellandrea, dealing with a lower-body issue, is week-to-week but there’s optimism he’ll return before the regular season wraps up in April. Dellandrea has been a standout in penalty killing and faceoffs, tallying 11 points in 42 games before his injury on January 6th.
Roster Moves: Bystedt and Leddy
With several Sharks players participating in the Olympic Games in Italy, the team recalled center Filip Bystedt and defenseman Nick Leddy from the Barracuda. Bystedt, leading the Barracuda with 36 points in 40 games, is still on the mend from a head injury sustained on February 6th.
This injury kept him from participating in the AHL All-Star Classic, where he was set to represent the Barracuda. Forward Cam Lund stepped in as his replacement.
Leddy, who was waived and assigned to the AHL last month, has been practicing but hasn’t played in the Barracuda’s recent games. Coach Warsofsky noted there are ongoing discussions between Leddy and the organization.
Skinner's Departure
Jeff Skinner’s tenure with the Sharks concluded as he and the team mutually agreed to part ways, making him an unrestricted free agent. Skinner had been a healthy scratch for 10 consecutive games before the Olympic break. Warsofsky praised Skinner’s professionalism and attitude during this period, acknowledging that roster dynamics and organizational transitions made Skinner the odd man out.
As the Sharks navigate these roster challenges, they remain focused on the upcoming homestand, crucial for their playoff aspirations.