Bold claim: the Toronto area will be the stage for a homecoming night as nearly all the Sharks’ prospects suit up for action. That’s the impression following today’s skate at Scotiabank Arena, ahead of San Jose’s big clash with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky wouldn’t explicitly confirm the lineup, but the projected cards suggest several Ontario natives could be in the mix.
Projected lines (as they appeared at practice):
- Graf-Celebrini-Smith
- Eklund-Wennberg-Toffoli
- Skinner-Dellandrea-Kurashev
- Goodrow-Gaudette-Reaves
Defensive pairs:
- Ferraro-Mukhamadullin
- Orlov-Klingberg
- Dickinson-Liljegren
If this alignment holds, players from the local pipelines—Tyler Toffoli, Ty Dellandrea, Jeff Skinner, Barclay Goodrow, Ryan Reaves, Mario Ferraro, and Sam Dickinson—could be among those sitting out to make room for the homegrown talent.
Warsofsky also confirmed that rookie defenseman Sam Dickinson would get into tomorrow’s game.
Meanwhile, Shakir Mukhamadullin, healthy scratched in the previous four outings, is set to rejoin the lineup.
On special teams, the first power-play unit featured John Klingberg, Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, Alex Wennberg, and Toffoli. The second unit included Dmitry Orlov, Will Smith, Skinner, Philipp Kurashev, and Adam Gaudette.
Global note from Toronto: there’s a new goalie in the crease for the Sharks this afternoon—EBUG Rayce Ramsay.
The lineup was otherwise free of obvious gaps aside from the absence of Askarov. Positive update also came on the injured rookie: coach Warsofsky said Askarov is feeling better after being too unwell on Tuesday to back up Alex Nedeljkovic against the Flyers in Philadelphia.
Warsofsky left the door open for Askarov to either back up or start in the Leafs game, depending on his recovery.
Bottom line: it’s encouraging to see Askarov progressive recovery, and the Sharks appear ready to test a lineup featuring more young locals alongside their veterans. For fans, this week’s tilt against Toronto could serve as a key indicator of where San Jose is headed as the season ramps up.
What do you think about the potential homegrown lineup taking the stage in Toronto? Do you believe these decisions signal a strategic shift toward youth, or will veteran experience still take priority in high-profile matchups? Share your thoughts in the comments.
