The San Jose Sharks’ defense is taking some serious hits as they head into the final stretch of the season. Two key players might be watching the rest of the games from the sidelines.
Veteran defenseman Jan Rutta hasn’t stepped on the ice since getting hurt against Nashville on January 23rd. He’s already missed 14 games, and it’s not looking good.
"He’s still weeks away," head coach Ryan Warsofsky told The Hockey News. Rutta hasn’t even made it back to practice yet.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Rutta, who’s been having a tough year. He’s put up just eight points in 51 games – his lowest scoring rate since joining the NHL.
Things aren’t much better for young defender Henry Thrun either. He’s dealing with a nagging upper-body injury that just won’t quit. After missing a week and a half in early March, he’s now out again after reaggravating it.
Thrun’s absence is particularly painful for the Sharks. He’d really found his groove this season, sometimes playing up to 24 minutes a game in the top four.
To fill the gaps, San Jose’s bringing back familiar face Marc-Édouard Vlasic to cover Rutta’s spot. But Vlasic’s struggled in his nine games back, going minus-eight without recording a point.
The team’s also called up Jimmy Schuldt from the minors to help out. He’s only played two NHL games in his seven-year pro career, but this might be his big chance. Schuldt’s been solid in the AHL, putting up 18 points in 54 games this season.
With just five weeks left in the season, the Sharks are crossing their fingers that at least one of their injured defenders can make it back. But right now, that’s looking like a long shot.
