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.

The Sharks, riding a three-game winning streak, will turn to Vanecek between the pipes on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 28-year-old Vanecek allowed five goals on 31 shots (.839 SV%) in his most recent outing, an 8-5 win over the Seattle Kraken, and has a 3.52 GAA and .894 SV% through 11 appearances this season (3-5-1). The Sharks enter Thursday's contest as sizeable +221 road underdogs against a Lightning team without Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed).

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.

The Sharks, riding a three-game winning streak, will turn to Vanecek between the pipes on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 28-year-old Vanecek allowed five goals on 31 shots (.839 SV%) in his most recent outing, an 8-5 win over the Seattle Kraken, and has a 3.52 GAA and .894 SV% through 11 appearances this season (3-5-1). The Sharks enter Thursday's contest as sizeable +221 road underdogs against a Lightning team without Nikita Kucherov (undisclosed).

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.

Georgiev will return to the crease on Friday after a strong performance in his most recent outing, saving 18 of 19 shots in a 2-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. Colorado has struggled to receive adequate goaltending this season, but Georgiev has significantly improved lately, posting .910 SV% in his last eight appearances (6-1-0). Colorado enters Friday's contest as +114 road underdogs against a Dallas Stars club riding a two-game losing skid.

The 22-year-old Cardwell made his NHL debut this season and went scoreless in three games with the Sharks. He has one goal and six assists through 13 games with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL.