Lehkonen has not yet been cleared for contact, but his presence, skating at practice, is a promising sign for a team without him for 21 games. Before his injury, Lehkonen had eight points (3G / 5A) in 12 games, averaging 18:30 time-on-ice, playing predominantly alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, including top powerplay deployment. Valeri Nischushkin has been the main benefactor, occupying Lehkonen's offensive deployment, scoring 24 points (13G / 11A) in 19 games since.

Makar has struggled to stay in the lineup lately, playing only four of the last nine games for Colorado, and was a game-time decision after being a full participant at practice on Thursday. Makar is among the league leaders for defensemen, scoring 37 points (8G / 29A) in 27 games this season.

Blackwood was the undisputed starter for the Sharks earlier this season but as the quality of his play has tapered off, he has found himself in an equal timeshare with Kaapo Kahkonen. Blackwood has allowed four or more goals in three of his last four games (1-2-0), posting an uncharacteristically low .868 SV%, considering he was sporting a .903 SV% in the 17 games leading up to that. The Sharks are +135 home underdogs on Thursday against an Arizona Coyotes team riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring their opposition 7-3.

Makar has struggled to stay in the lineup lately, playing only four of the last nine games for Colorado, but will be a game-time decision after being a full participant at practice on Thursday. Makar is among the league leaders for defensemen, scoring 37 points (8G / 29A) in 27 games this season.

Girard returned to practice, skating as an extra, for the first time after entering the players' assistance program nearly one month ago. Girard has played 15 games this season, scoring one point (0G / 1A) in his first 13 before tripling that with three points (2G / 1A) in his last two games. During Girard's absence, Josh Manson has seen a significant uptick in usage and production.

With Jake Oettinger still out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis, as he tends to a lower-body injury, Wedgewood will start for the third consecutive game. Wedgewood has been extremely serviceable when called upon this season, albeit unspectacular, posting a 7-1-2 record along with a 3.21 GAA and .906 SV%. Wedgewood and the Stars have a tough task ahead on Thursday, but they are still -148 home favourites against a Vancouver Canucks team that defeated the Stars 2-0 in their only other matchup this season and has points in seven straight (6-0-1).

Cogliano played 11:52 time-on-ice in his last game and recorded an assist along with three shots on goal but suffered an undisclosed injury at some point and will be out of the lineup on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 36-year-old Cogliano has nine points (3G / 6A) in 27 games this season.

Makar has not played since exiting Colorado's December 13th contest against the Buffalo Sabres after playing only 17:21 and will miss his third straight contest on Tuesday. Makar has been outstanding this season, scoring 37 points (8G / 29A) in 27 games but will not play for the fifth time in the last nine games as injuries are beginning to become a concern for the elite defenseman. Devon Toews has manned the blueline on the powerplay in Makar's absence.

Oettinger is week-to-week with a lower-body injury, paving the way for Wedgewood to serve as the Stars' starting goalie in the interim. Wedgewood entered Friday's game in the first period when Oettinger was injured and played on Saturday as well, saving 55 of 61 shots (.902 SV%) between the two appearances (1-0-1). The Stars have recalled Matt Murray from the Texas Stars (AHL), but Wedgewood will likely see the majority of action between the crease for the Stars while Oettinger is out of the lineup. The Stars are -176 home favourites on Monday against a Seattle Kraken team that has points in three straight (2-0-1), outscoring their opposition 13-3.

Erik Johnson is averaging a career-low 14:19 time-on-ice in his first season with the Sabres and will be a healthy scratch on Friday as Ryan Johnson will enter the lineup. Erik Johnson has two points (2G / 0A), 33 hits, and 42 blocks in 29 games this season.

With Evgeny Kuznetsov set to miss Thursday's game with an illness, Phillips will retake his spot in the lineup after sitting out each of the last two games. Phillips has just one goal to go along with four assists in 18 games with the Capitals this season. He'll start the game alongside Joe Snively and T.J. Oshie on Washington's third line.

Manson was once again listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game vs. the Sabres but he's good to go for the 13th straight game. Manson has picked up seven points (2G / 5A) in 25 games this season but has been especially hot as of late, with two goals and four assists (six points) in his last six games.