Wennberg Nears Return for Sharks

Why it matters

The Sharks have struggled without Wennberg, going 3-6-0 in his absence, and his return could help stabilize a team that has been outscored 28-12 over its last seven games. His activation chances increase during the team's upcoming homestand, with seven of its next nine games at home.

The details

Wennberg was forced to leave the October 19 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs before the end of the third period and missed more than two weeks with an upper-body injury. Before his injury he was the net-front presence on the top power play unit, and the Sharks signed him to a three-year, $18 million contract extension in January.

Timeline

1. October 19: Wennberg was injured in a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2. October 22: Igor Chernyshov suffered an upper-body injury.

3. October 28: Filip Bystedt was recalled from the minors.

4. October 31: The Sharks lost 5-1 to the Ottawa Senators.

5. November 7: Wennberg was upgraded to day-to-day.

Season Trajectory

San Jose sits fifth in the Pacific Division, and its recent slide has come as key centers Wennberg and Chernyshov have been sidelined. Wennberg's return during a home-heavy stretch could help determine whether the Sharks can climb back into the division race.

The takeaway

Wennberg's return is a meaningful step for a Sharks team that has lost ground in recent games. Watching how the lineup responds during the home stretch will show whether the roster can recover its form.

What happens next

Seven of the Sharks' next nine games are at home, beginning Monday, which may be when Wennberg is activated.

Further reading

Find more coverage of the team in our Hockey section.