Karlsson is set to miss his second straight game on Tuesday but it sounds like his groin injury isn’t overly serious and that the Sharks are just being cautious. With a playoff spot all but locked up, the Sharks want to focus on making sure that he is right for the postseason, so won’t rush him back.
Hayes is a former first-round pick (No.24 overall) back in 2010 and has enjoyed a breakout season in 2019. Hayes is on-pace for a career-best 39 assists and 58 points through 51 games. Hayes will likely replace Bryan Little as the Jets No.2 centre, where he could play with the likes of Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers or Kyle Connor.
Karlsson has missed the last 10 games with a lower-body injury but will play Saturday vs. the Canucks. Karlsson will skate with Marc-Edouard Vlasic and enters play with 43 points (3G / 40A) in 47 games this season.
Karlsson will not play Monday in Vancouver but head coach Pete DeBoer said that he is “really close” and that they don’t want to risk re-aggravating the injury.
Malkin has missed the last five games with an upper-body injury but is set to play Monday in Philadelphia. Malkin centered the Penguins’ second-line with Phil Kessel and Nick Bjugstad on his wings. Malkin has registered 55 points (14G / 41A) in 50 games this season.
Matt Murray is day-to-day with an upper-body injury so Jarry is expected to serve as Casey DeSmith’s backup on Thursday. Murray is on the road-trip with the Penguins, so it doesn’t appear like Jarry’s stay with the big club will be an extended one.
Heinen was a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace David Backes on the Bruins third line on Wednesday. It has been a tough season for Heinen, who has six goals and seven assists (13 points) in 49 games this season.
Despite taking part in the All-Star weekend festivities, Karlsson is not ready to play on Saturday. Tim Heed will dress in Karlsson’s place.
The Sharks returned to the ice on Friday but Karlsson did not participate and remains a question mark for tonight’s game. The All-Star defenseman has been excellent for the Sharks this season and the team has gone 2-2-1 in the five games he’s missed due to injury or suspension his season. Fortunately for San Jose, it looks like they will at least get Marc-Edouard Vlasic back and Karlsson’s return seems just around the corner.
Hayes has missed the last nine games with an upper-body injury but will replace Mats Zuccarello, who is sidelined with a foot infection. Hayes has had a solid campaign, scoring 10 goals with 23 assists (33 points) in 39 games and will skate on the second-line with Jimmy Vesey and Vladislav Namestnikov.
Graves, 21, has scored twice in eight games with the Avalanche this season and has collected eight points (2G / 6A) in 29 AHL contests. Graves will replace Mark Barberio in the lineup vs. Minnesota.
Jones played well during his time with the Oilers, scoring one goal and picking up five assists across 17 games. The Oilers are in need of blueline help and Oscar Klefbom isn’t ready to return yet, so the move doesn’t make a lot of sense at this time.
Karlsson will miss Monday’s game in Florida and Tuesday’s game in Washington, at the very least. The Sharks’ first game after the break is Saturday, February 2nd vs. the Coyotes. Look for Kevin Labanc to play on the top power-play for a second straight game.
Karlsson was on the ice for warmups but the lower-body ailment that he has been dealing with will force him to miss Saturday’s game vs. the Lightning.
Acciari has been in the lineup for the last nine games but will be replaced by David Backes on Thursday. Acciari has just four points (1G / 3A) in 40 games this season.
