SAN JOSE -- The Sharks are set to resume their season after the bye week, but they’ll still have to do a little line juggling with one of their key players out of the lineup.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson isn’t expected to play in Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes as he continues to deal with an undisclosed injury. No. 65 did not participate in either of the Sharks’ practices after the bye week.
Sharks coach Peter DeBoer told the media Saturday morning that he doesn’t expect Karlsson to be out of the lineup much longer, but the team isn't looking to push things.
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“We want to get this right,” DeBoer said. “If this was the playoffs, could he play tonight? He probably could, and you could push him out there. We want to make sure this is right and that he doesn’t have to deal with it again.”
DeBoer said he “anticipates” Karlsson will be available to join the Sharks on their upcoming four-game road trip through Canada.
[RELATED: Erik Karlsson out two games before All-Star break]
In other news on the defensive end, Marc-Edouard Vlasic is expected to pencil back into the lineup Saturday. Vlasic took line rushes in practice alongside Tim Heed while his usual partner, Justin Braun, practiced with Brenden Dillon.