EDMONTON \u2014 Nick Leddy hasn\u2019t played a lot of hockey in the last two months.<\/p>\n
Since his last contest for the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 16, Leddy has played one game, for the San Jose Barracuda on Mar. 7.<\/p>\n
But Leddy is coming in for Shakir Mukhamadullin on Tuesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n
He has been healthy, so he\u2019s practiced plenty. And if you\u2019re going to parachute anybody into a playoff race, a veteran like Leddy, who\u2019s got 1,061 regular season games and a Stanley Cup under his belt, is the guy.<\/p>\n
So what\u2019s the biggest challenge for a hockey player who hasn\u2019t played a lot in two months?<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything happens quick. So just, I think, getting up to speed, making the simple plays right away, getting my feet under me, and using the assets I do have, which is my feet and skating,\u201d Leddy told San Jose Hockey Now.<\/p>\n
How about facing superstar Connor McDavid?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like a guy like [Macklin Celebrini], we\u2019ve got to try and take away his time and space as best as possible,\u201d Leddy said.<\/p>\n
Head coach Ryan Warsofsky, when asked, offered no comment for the switch or on Mukhamadullin\u2019s game. Mukhamadullin was a full participant at morning skate and appears healthy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we decided,\u201d Warsofsky said. \u201cNot gonna get into it.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Warsofsky did note what he disliked most about the San Jose Sharks\u2019 7-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, which probably offers some clue about sitting young Mukhamadullin.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur breakouts were probably the worst we\u2019ve had in a long time. Our breakouts struggled, and then we were late on the forecheck with the disconnectedness,\u201d he said. \u201cRimming pucks that we don\u2019t need to rim, just a feel of when to make a play, when not to make a play, was our biggest issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
San Jose Sharks (32-27-6)<\/p>\n
Alex Nedeljkovic will start.<\/p>\n
Alex Wennberg, after missing Sunday in Ottawa, is officially a game-time decision \u2014 he did get through a full practice without any obvious issue.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how the Sharks lined up at morning skate:<\/p>\n
Graf-Celebrini-Smith
Regenda-Wennberg-Sherwood
Eklund-Misa-Toffoli
Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette<\/p>\n
Orlov-Klingberg
Ferraro-Leddy
Dickinson-Desharnais<\/p>\n
Nedeljkovic<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how they looked on the power play.<\/p>\n
PP1: Orlov-Celebrini-Smith-Toffoli-Wennberg
PP2: Klingberg-Eklund-Misa-Sherwood-Regenda<\/p>\n
Warsofsky offered no extra updates on Yaroslav Askarov (lower-body) and Igor Chernyshov (concussion), saying both would get re-evaluated back in San Jose. Warsofsky says Askarov\u2019s injury is still considered day-to-day.<\/p>\n
\nI spot Chernyshov, by the way, watching practice and joking with the trainers. Good sign<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Edmonton Oilers (33-26-9)<\/p>\n
\nDraisaitl out tonight.
Knoblauch says further info will be given tonight, sounds like, re: the length of his absence.
Ingram starts in net.<\/p>\n\u2014 Mark Spector\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@SportsnetSpec) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nLeon Draisaitl is out for the remainder of the regular seasons per the #Oilers<\/a>. #NHL<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Derek Van Diest (@DerekVanDiest) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Where To Watch<\/p>\n
Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers is at 6 PM PT at Rogers Place. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t