Sharks defenseman’s status for season-opener could be in doubt
SAN JOSE — Defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov is now considered week-to-week with an undisclosed ailment, casting some doubt on his availability for the Sharks’ Oct. 16 season-opener against the Winnipeg Jets.
Knyzhov was originally considered day-to-day after he missed the first day of training camp with “something that’s been nagging,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said last Thursday. But Knyzhov has remained off the ice and Boughner said Monday that although the Russian native is feeling better, he remains no closer to participating in practice.
The Sharks’ preseason continues Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Kings. The Sharks then play on Thursday in Anaheim, followed by home games against the Ducks on Oct. 4 and Vegas on Oct. 9 to close the exhibition season.
“At this point, we’re leaning towards he’s going to be in the opener,” Boughner said of Knyzhov, who is starting his third full pro season in the Sharks organization. “I think that we’re going to get him ready hopefully for the last two games of the preseason. But I definitely can’t say that it’s for sure yet.”
Knyzhov, 23, was one of the Sharks’ most pleasant surprises last season, as he made the team out of training camp and played in all 56 games. He became Erik Karlsson’s defense partner midway through the season, finished with 10 points, and averaged 16:45 of ice time per game.
“He’s in great shape, he looks phenomenal. It’s just a matter of, given what he has, to settle down a little bit before we put him on the ice,” Boughner said. “We’re crossing our fingers he should be out on the ice hopefully in another week or early next week.”
Knyzhov’s absence, at least for the time being, opens up a spot on the Sharks’ third defense pair. Among those possibly in the mix for an NHL job include Santeri Hatakka, Artemi Kniazev, Jaycob Megna, Ryan Merkley, Jake Middleton and Mark Alt. Nicolas Meloche was hurt (lower body) in a fight Sunday and is day-to-day.
“Those guys are going to play a lot during preseason, for sure,” Boughner said. “It definitely opens a door for somebody. We’re hoping to have Knyzhov back, obviously, but if not, we need a sixth, seventh, and possibly an eighth guy, depending on how many we keep. There’s a lot of opportunity here for the few (defensemen) that are battling for that spot.”
BARABANOV OUT: Forward Alexander Barabanov did not practice Monday after he suffered a lower-body injury in the Sharks’ 6-3 loss to Anaheim on Sunday. Barabanov is considered day-to-day, Boughner said. John Leonard skated in Barabanov’s place Monday on a line with Tomas Hertl and Noah Gregor.
Karlsson returned to practice after he sat out Sunday with a minor infection in his thumb.
KINGS PLAN: Boughner said goalie James Reimer will start Tuesday’s game against Los Angeles, with Alexei Melnichuk backing up. Boughner said he did not know if Reimer would play the entire game. Melnichuk played the first half of the Sharks game in Anaheim, allowing two goals on 10 shots.
Adin Hill, who stopped 21 of 23 shots in the Sharks’ 4-2 win in Las Vegas over the Golden Knights on Sunday, appears to be on track to start again Thursday.
Boughner said William Eklund and Jasper Weatherby will be among the rookies in Thursday’s lineup, although there will be more veterans in the game than there were in either of Sunday’s games.
MONDAY’S CUTS: The Sharks reduced their camp roster by 19 players. Defensemen Nick Cicek and Cole Moberg, forwards Zach Gallant, Dillon Hamaliuk, Timur Ibragimov, Jacob McGrew, Kyle Topping, and Evan Weinger and goalie Zachary Emond were assigned to the Barracuda. Going back to their junior teams were forwards Ethan Cardwell, Brandon Coe, Liam Gilmartin, Danil Gushchin, and Max McCue, defenseman Gannon Laroque and goalie Benjamin Gaudreau. Tryout players Jeremie Biakabutuka and Macauley Carson were sent back to their junior teams as well.