Kovalenko will make his Sharks debut after being acquired in a trade from the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. The 25-year-old Kovalenko showed glimpses of the talent that made him an offensive standout with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), but limited deployment in Colorado likely stunted the opportunity for true success. In 28 games, Kovalenko has eight points (4G / 4A) and will likely get an opportunity for better deployment in his new home with the Sharks.

Kovalenko could make his Sharks debut after being acquired in a trade from the Colorado Avalanche yesterday. The 25-year-old Kovalenko showed glimpses of the talent that made him an offensive standout with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), but limited deployment in Colorado likely stunted the opportunity for true success. In 28 games, Kovalenko has eight points (4G / 4A) and will likely get an opportunity for better deployment in his new home with the Sharks.

In his second stint with the Sharks, Goodrow is averaging 14:46 time-on-ice, recording two points (2G / 0A) and a -10 plus/minus. He has not played since November 27th but will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Smith did not play on Saturday and will miss at least two more games after being placed on Injured Reserve. The 19-year-old Smith, in his first NHL season, had zero points in his first eight games but has scored 11 points (5G / 6A) in 16 games since.

Kostin was hit by a shot at morning skate on Tuesday and did not return. The 25-year-old Kostin is averaging 9:57 time-on-ice and has four points (1G / 3A) in 18 games this season.

In his first season with the Avalanche, Kovalenko has shown glimpses of the talent that made him an offensive standout with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo (KHL), but limited deployment has likely stunted the opportunity for true success. In 28 games, Kovalenko is averaging 12:00 time-on-ice and has eight points (4G / 4A). The 25-year-old Kovalenko will likely get an opportunity for better deployment in his new home with the Sharks.

Colorado's goaltending troubles have been well-documented this season, highlighted by Georgiev's ugly 3.38 GAA and .874 SV% in 18 appearances (8-7-0). As a result, Georgiev has been traded, along with Nikolai Kovalenko, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick, to the San Jose Sharks in return for Mackenzie Blackwood, Givani Smith, and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Georgiev will likely have the opportunity to reestablish himself as a reliable starter in San Jose. That said, given San Jose's sluggish defense, Georgiev will likely fall out of fantasy hockey relevance.

Jack Thompson will draw into the Sharks' lineup on Thursday, resulting in Thrun being a healthy scratch. The 23-year-old Thrun is averaging 16:16 time-on-ice and has eight points (0G / 8A) in 25 games.

Henry Thrun will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Thompson to return to the lineup. The 22-year-old Thompson has played a career-high 13 games, and has five points (2G / 3A) while averaging 15:5 time-on-ice.

Colorado has lost two straight and will turn to Georgiev between the pipes for the fourth consecutive game. The 28-year-old Georgiev has an ugly 3.31 GAA and .875 SV% in 16 appearances this season (7-7-0). That said, he has been better lately, allowing three or fewer goals in five of his last seven (5-2-0), posting a .897 SV%. Colorado enters the action on Tuesday as -150 road favorites against a Buffalo Sabres club struggling to score, being shut out in two of their last three games (0-2-1).

Ethan Cardwell will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Grundstrom to play his first game since November 27th. The 27-year-old Grundstrom is averaging 9:06 time-on-ice, scoring four points (0G / 4A) in 22 games.

Carl Grundstrom will draw back into the Sharks lineup on Tuesday, sending Cardwell to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 22-year-old Cardwell is in his first NHL season and is averaging 11:33 time-on-ice, scoring one point (1G / 0A) in five games.