Karlsson has missed the last three games and has no timetable for his return but the Sharks are confident that he will return to the lineup before the playoffs. The Sharks are locked into a playoff spot so they will not rush Karlsson back until he is 100 percent.

Karlsson has missed three of the last four games with a groin issue and will miss at least the rest of the Sharks homestand. Tim Heed will remain on the blueline with Karlsson sidelined.

Karlsson missed Sunday’s game in Detroit but will draw back into the lineup tonight in Boston. Karlsson had a slow start to the season but has had a great year, ranking tied for eighth among defensemen in points with 45 (3G / 42A) in 51 games.

Letang was hurt early in the Penguins outdoor game against the Flyers and it looks like they will go into Tuesday’s game missing both of their top-pairing defensemen. Letang is considered day-to-day, so monitor his status heading into Friday’s game in Buffalo.

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.