Blackwood will return to the Sharks' crease on Thursday for the first time since December 23rd. Blackwood was sidelined for two games with an illness, though he was healthy enough to serve as Kaapo Kahkonen's backup for each of the last two games. Blackwood had a start to forget his last time out, surrendering six goals on 25 shots as the Sharks fell to the Canucks by a score of 7-4. His record now sits at 4-14-12 on the season to go along with an .889 SV% and a 3.92 GAA. Things won't get any easier for him on Thursday with the Sharks currently being heavy home underdogs at +225 to the Jets.

Benning has a five-month expected recovery ahead of him after undergoing successful hip surgery and, as a result, will miss the remainder of the season. Benning played 14 games for the Sharks this season, blocking 29 shots, scoring two points (0G / 2A), and averaging 18:29 time-on-ice.

Dellandrea will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Radek Faksa to draw back into the lineup. After being a healthy scratch in four straight games, Dellandrea played two straight, scoring zero points and registering one shot on goal.

Ferraro left Sunday's game with just 4:09 TOI and did not return. The Sharks did not practice on Monday but Ferraro has been confirmed to return to the lineup on Tuesday. He has nine points (1G / 8A), 40 hits, and 101 blocks in 37 games this season.

Ferraro left Sunday's game with just 4:09 TOI and did not return. The Sharks did not practice on Monday, so they have yet to provide an update on Ferrraro's status. Consider him questionable to play Tuesday until the Sharks release an update.

Smith last played on December 21st and will be out of the lineup indefinitely as he has been placed on IR with a lower-body injury. He has one goal and two assists in 26 games this season.

Vanecek has started the last three games for the Devils (1-1-1) and will start again on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vanecek has allowed three goals or fewer in four of his last game games (3-1-1), his best stretch of play this season, posting a .908 SV% in the process. The Devils are significant -254 home favourites against a Blue Jackets squad that has lost three of their last four (1-2-1), including a 6-3 loss to the Devils on December 16th.

Magnus Chrona was recalled Wednesday from the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) which implies Mackenzie Blackwood will be out vs. Los Angeles after it was announced he was under the weather Wednesday. The 27-year-old netminder is not expected to be out long as he did travel with the team. He has struggled in his first season in San Jose, with his 4-14-2 record, 3.92 GAA and .889 SV%.

Askarov was recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals and participated in practice for the Predators on Wednesday morning. Kevin Lankinen (illness) was not present at practice and as a result, Askarov suited up as the backup goaltender. Askarov was the 11th overall pick of the Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has a 2.45 GAA and .908 SV% through 15 games (8-6-1) with the Admirals this season.

Askarov was recalled from the Milwaukee Admirals and participated in practice for the Predators on Wednesday morning. Kevin Lankinen (illness) was not present at practice and as a result, Askarov suited up as the backup goaltender. Askarov was the 11th overall pick of the Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has a 2.45 GAA and .908 SV% through 15 games (8-6-1) with the Admirals this season.

Vanecek has started the last three games for the Devils (1-1-1) and will likely start again on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Vanecek has allowed three goals or fewer in four of his last game games (3-1-1), his best stretch of play this season, posting a .908 SV% in the process. The Devils are significant -254 home favourites against a Blue Jackets squad that has lost three of their last four (1-2-1), including a 6-3 loss to the Devils on December 16th.

Vlasic will draw back into the Sharks' lineup on Friday as they opt to dress seven defensemen against the Canucks. He has no goals and one assist in 17 games this season.

Smith is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He has one goal and two assists in 26 games this season.