SAN JOSE -- The Sharks still won't have Erik Karlsson in their lineup, but another member of their blue line finally will rejoin the team.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic is expected to suit up Saturday night against the Arizona Coyotes after missing the better part of a month with an undisclosed injury. With San Jose’s defensive depth being tested, the team is happy to have the veteran blueliner, who hasn't played since a Jan. 2 win at Colorado.
“I’m excited for him to get back in here,” Sharks captain Joe Pavelski said at morning skate, noting the defenseman could be “a big piece for us” in the final 30 regular-season games.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Vlasic’s 2018-19 campaign didn’t get off to a great start, although it began picking up just before he was injured, Sharks coach Peter DeBoer noted. DeBoer added he's "not worried" whether or not Vlasic can pick up where he left off, with points in three of five games before his injury.
“I think (Vlasic) takes a lot of pride in his work ethic over his career,” DeBoer said. “He got in a little bit of a rut, and like all players, you have to fight through that a little bit.”
[RELATED: Dan Rusanowsky's 10 favorite regular-season games]
Vlasic practiced alongside Tim Heed for portions of Saturday’s morning skate, although it isn’t clear if that pair will be together for the duration of the game against the Coyotes. Either way, the Sharks will welcome one of their core players back on the ice.
San Jose Sharks
Find the latest San Jose Sharks news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
“He’s healthy, he’s excited, he’s refreshed," DeBoer said. "He’s a big piece for us, and he’s going to be an important guy for us for the last 30 games and the playoffs.”
