San Jose Sharks’ Jeff Skinner Injury Update: Recovery Timeline Revealed

In a positive turn of events for the San Jose Sharks, forward Jeff Skinner is expected to return to the ice within two weeks following a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game. The incident occurred during the first period of the Sharks’ match against the Calgary Flames, where Skinner collided awkwardly with the boards.

Skinner’s injury was initially concerning, as he was unable to put weight on his right leg after the collision. Fortunately, an evaluation revealed no broken bones, as confirmed by Sharks’ head coach Ryan Warsofsky on Monday. “Not horrible news,” Warsofsky stated regarding Skinner’s condition. “It’s going to be week to week, but I think we dodged a bullet.”

Details of the Injury and Team Adjustments

The injury occurred while Skinner was chasing a loose puck in the Flames’ zone. He lost his balance, leading to a hard impact against the boards. Following the incident, Skinner required assistance to leave the ice and was subsequently placed on injury reserve on Saturday. This decision came just before the Sharks concluded a three-game road trip with a 4-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken.

Skinner, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Sharks in July as a free agent, has recorded seven points in 16 games this season. Throughout his career in the NHL, spanning 1,095 games, he has achieved a notable tally of 377 goals and 329 assists. Prior to the injury, Skinner primarily played as a middle-six forward, averaging 12:22 minutes of ice time per game.

In response to Skinner’s absence, the Sharks have recalled center Zack Ostapchuk from their AHL affiliate. Ostapchuk participated in Monday’s practice, centering the fourth line alongside Barclay Goodrow and Ryan Reaves.

Upcoming Matches and Team Outlook

The Sharks are set to begin a crucial four-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday. This stretch will also feature games against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, the Senators on Saturday, and the Boston Bruins on Sunday. Fans are advised to stay tuned for further updates regarding Skinner’s recovery and the team’s performance as they navigate through these upcoming games.